African Football Discussion Thread Current Topic: 👉 AFCON 2025/2026

[SatoPrincess]

I don't think he retired because of age or wanting to allow the younger generation to shine, he just did that to stay away from NFF troubles because of what he did. Sometimes it is best to sacrifice that convenience or fear to make sure things are done properly. If he didn't have taken that step to confront the NFF, maybe they would not have paid them their outstanding bonuses they owed them. His move and approach resolved everything and for this, it was a life in line for his national call up which he gave up. At least, now he can focus on his career as an international player till he finally quits football.

I think this person summarized the reason why Troost retired from the national team. Judging from how sudden his retirement came, I believe there was a lot going on behind the scenes that influenced his decision to quit but I think there’s more to it than owed salaries and bonuses; the poor training facilities and medical care may also be a factor.

[Ronsbit]

I don't think he retired because of age or wanting to allow the younger generation to shine, he just did that to stay away from NFF troubles because of what he did. Sometimes it is best to sacrifice that convenience or fear to make sure things are done properly. If he didn't have taken that step to confront the NFF, maybe they would not have paid them their outstanding bonuses they owed them. His move and approach resolved everything and for this, it was a life in line for his national call up which he gave up. At least, now he can focus on his career as an international player till he finally quits football.

I think this person summarized the reason why Troost retired from the national team. Judging from how sudden his retirement came, I believe there was a lot going on behind the scenes that influenced his decision to quit but I think there’s more to it than owed salaries and bonuses; the poor training facilities and medical care may also be a factor.

That is simply the truth.  He exposed some of the dirty games by the NFF and their copartners  and I am just surprised to see that they were owed for over 6 years of bonuses and yet the NFF were comfortable with it and not even thinking of paying not until they teamed up with courage and boldness to protest against such act from the government. As for their welfare if that's what needs to also be put in place, the NFF needs to do that and besides, they will have to be in good form and shape before matchday So by doing  so the players are are motivated to be of their best performances.

[Salahmu]

I think this person summarized the reason why Troost retired from the national team. Judging from how sudden his retirement came, I believe there was a lot going on behind the scenes that influenced his decision to quit but I think there’s more to it than owed salaries and bonuses; the poor training facilities and medical care may also be a factor.

I thought his retirement was both on the international and national?, so the nigeria Federation was actually owing him for this long?, does it mean that since he has now retired those six years of owing will be forfeited?, is unfortunate we are just watching but doesn't no what is happening on the inside, I believe they will pay him if he takes it serious because since he is on a few moments out of the super eagles his team mate might help him recover it because if all this on the statement is true then it could be anybody in the future perhaps if they also owe Victor Osimhem for six years or seven they also make him retire and forfeit what they could have paid him.

[Spaceman1000$]

I don't think he retired because of age or wanting to allow the younger generation to shine, he just did that to stay away from NFF troubles because of what he did. Sometimes it is best to sacrifice that convenience or fear to make sure things are done properly. If he didn't have taken that step to confront the NFF, maybe they would not have paid them their outstanding bonuses they owed them. His move and approach resolved everything and for this, it was a life in line for his national call up which he gave up. At least, now he can focus on his career as an international player till he finally quits football.

I think this person summarized the reason why Troost retired from the national team. Judging from how sudden his retirement came, I believe there was a lot going on behind the scenes that influenced his decision to quit but I think there’s more to it than owed salaries and bonuses; the poor training facilities and medical care may also be a factor.

I already said before now that before this his retirement is not far fetched from that training boycott that he led as a captain of the team. The NFF guys are vindictive in nature, so they would probably look for who to blame, and I believe Ekong has received a lot of backlash for that action, and maybe the coach would have probably hinted to him that he might not be seeing a regular full time match, and Ekong would have on the other hand weighed his options and come to the conclusion that retirement would be the best option.

[Marykeller]

I think they were paid some money after they protested in another country that they wanted to play for the world cup qualifiers and they won with 4 goals to 1. Their losses was not because of any payment but because the second club they played with have luck because it ended in penalty.

I can not blame the players because football is not easy and because I definitely know that the world cup is not belonging to Africa again. No African nation has ever won world cup before.

The last team they played was Dr Congo and they didn't win because of luck, it was our coach that made some wrongs moves and it cost us alot. This current team can't do a day without Osimhen but somehow he was too confident and he substituted him with Adam, no goal was made after that match till the end and there was no way he could fix him back for penalty, wrong move cost Nigeria everything.

Now, the main man is out and has retired Troost Ekong. I respect his decision, he has been with the team since 2015 till 2025, that's a solid 10 years commitment. I want to see where Super eagles will be headed now especially with recent drab and mismanagement of funds they have had from Fifa. In all honesty, I want Micheal take over this job badly.

The Super Eagles team can't do without Osimhen, Troost Ekong has retired from international football, that means the Super Eagles we are praying to get better are finished in the frontline and backline formation since it is obvious we can't win a match if Osimhen is not on the pitch, so we can't defend our goal post as we won't have Troost Ekong in the Super Eagles team again.

It is this time that it will be worse for the Super Eagles if nothing is done to find a better replacement for Osimhen and Troost-Ekong. This is a work for the Super Eagles coach to get the team fixed before the AFCON tournament begins

[Rockson1]

That is simply the truth.  He exposed some of the dirty games by the NFF and their copartners  and I am just surprised to see that they were owed for over 6 years of bonuses and yet the NFF were comfortable with it and not even thinking of paying not until they teamed up with courage and boldness to protest against such act from the government. As for their welfare if that's what needs to also be put in place, the NFF needs to do that and besides, they will have to be in good form and shape before matchday So by doing  so the players are are motivated to be of their best performances.

The sharp and corrupt practices going on in NFF has resulted to poor management and poor performance of our country football, but I ask, will the government say they are not aware of what have been happening, I think they are just the same people, the number of years they are no paid those entitlement has exposed negligence on the government, a country that wants their country football to grow will work ti rads actualizing it, but it is a different thing in this country, is as if everything is been overlooked, just because the government are just not sincere or ready to do the right thing.

[GiftedMAN]

I think this person summarized the reason why Troost retired from the national team. Judging from how sudden his retirement came, I believe there was a lot going on behind the scenes that influenced his decision to quit but I think there’s more to it than owed salaries and bonuses; the poor training facilities and medical care may also be a factor.

I thought his retirement was both on the international and national?, so the nigeria Federation was actually owing him for this long?, does it mean that since he has now retired those six years of owing will be forfeited?, is unfortunate we are just watching but doesn't no what is happening on the inside, I believe they will pay him if he takes it serious because since he is on a few moments out of the super eagles his team mate might help him recover it because if all this on the statement is true then it could be anybody in the future perhaps if they also owe Victor Osimhem for six years or seven they also make him retire and forfeit what they could have paid him.

Wether the men at the Glass House of the NFF forced him to retire or not, the truth is that every outstanding allowance owed to Williams Troost-Ekong will surely be paid to him or he'll sue the federation. Nigeria as a country isn't corrupt but the leaders of the country are the ones that are extremely corrupt. A lot have been said about the leadership of the NFF and how they've been unaccountable for the revenue of the federation but instead of making amends to what's is said about them, they're giving the media more reasons to believe that they're corrupt.
Situations like this are one major reasons many Nigerians are not representing the national team, they just can't imagine themselves in this kind of situation when they are provided with the option of representing other countries with working Football Associations. This is too embarrassing for NFF, a player that's played out his heart for the nation is now being forced out of the team because he stood for his right.

[Mr Reporter]

That is simply the truth.  He exposed some of the dirty games by the NFF and their copartners  and I am just surprised to see that they were owed for over 6 years of bonuses and yet the NFF were comfortable with it and not even thinking of paying not until they teamed up with courage and boldness to protest against such act from the government. As for their welfare if that's what needs to also be put in place, the NFF needs to do that and besides, they will have to be in good form and shape before matchday So by doing  so the players are are motivated to be of their best performances.

The sharp and corrupt practices going on in NFF has resulted to poor management and poor performance of our country football, but I ask, will the government say they are not aware of what have been happening, I think they are just the same people, the number of years they are no paid those entitlement has exposed negligence on the government, a country that wants their country football to grow will work ti rads actualizing it, but it is a different thing in this country, is as if everything is been overlooked, just because the government are just not sincere or ready to do the right thing.

That is simply the truth.  He exposed some of the dirty games by the NFF and their copartners  and I am just surprised to see that they were owed for over 6 years of bonuses and yet the NFF were comfortable with it and not even thinking of paying not until they teamed up with courage and boldness to protest against such act from the government. As for their welfare if that's what needs to also be put in place, the NFF needs to do that and besides, they will have to be in good form and shape before matchday So by doing  so the players are are motivated to be of their best performances.

The sharp and corrupt practices going on in NFF has resulted to poor management and poor performance of our country football, but I ask, will the government say they are not aware of what have been happening, I think they are just the same people, the number of years they are no paid those entitlement has exposed negligence on the government, a country that wants their country football to grow will work ti rads actualizing it, but it is a different thing in this country, is as if everything is been overlooked, just because the government are just not sincere or ready to do the right thing.

I totally feel you, bro. The way the NFF has been handled is straight up maddening corruption, unpaid entitlements, and the whole thing just dragging our football down. It’s like the govt is either clueless or just in cahoots, and that makes the frustration hit even harder. And it also feels discouraging to the player not getting full support from the NFF it really is unhealthy for the player, I think this matter should be look into as soon as possible.

[Mate2237]

Troost Ekong has contributed his quatre when it comes to the Nigerian national team. He was one of the best players at the peak of his career I can still remember the paring of Troost Ekong and Leon Balogun some years ago, The super eagles defense were really solid but you can't cheat nature his time has come for him to say goodbye to the super eagles and allow younger players to come and take over.



If not of the timing of his retirement I don't see anything bad with this call. Because it's obvious that he doesn't have the strength to mount the super eagles defense line. In the recent games that he has played for the super eagles it has been obvious that he should have called it a day with the super eagles. Ekong should concentrate on his Charity work that he launched some years ago to help children in the country good luck to him as he go into another phase of life.

[Salahmu]

I thought his retirement was both on the international and national?, so the nigeria Federation was actually owing him for this long?, does it mean that since he has now retired those six years of owing will be forfeited?, is unfortunate we are just watching but doesn't no what is happening on the inside, I believe they will pay him if he takes it serious because since he is on a few moments out of the super eagles his team mate might help him recover it because if all this on the statement is true then it could be anybody in the future perhaps if they also owe Victor Osimhem for six years or seven they also make him retire and forfeit what they could have paid him.

Wether the men at the Glass House of the NFF forced him to retire or not, the truth is that every outstanding allowance owed to Williams Troost-Ekong will surely be paid to him or he'll sue the federation. Nigeria as a country isn't corrupt but the leaders of the country are the ones that are extremely corrupt. A lot have been said about the leadership of the NFF and how they've been unaccountable for the revenue of the federation but instead of making amends to what's is said about them, they're giving the media more reasons to believe that they're corrupt.
Situations like this are one major reasons many Nigerians are not representing the national team, they just can't imagine themselves in this kind of situation when they are provided with the option of representing other countries with working Football Associations. This is too embarrassing for NFF, a player that's played out his heart for the nation is now being forced out of the team because he stood for his right.

I hope so because NFF should not be allowed to be treating players as if they're nothing, is this going to be the future of Nigeria in sports?, the problem is that what if court get compromised to favour NFF over the player that is going to sue them because we also have an unstable justice system in this country but however if if that happens the NFF might get there pay back from every players retiring from the national team also so that they would leave everything about the football for them to manipulate as they are doing, besides they have all gotten clubs they play for international.

[Mayor of ogba]

I don't think he retired because of age or wanting to allow the younger generation to shine, he just did that to stay away from NFF troubles because of what he did. Sometimes it is best to sacrifice that convenience or fear to make sure things are done properly. If he didn't have taken that step to confront the NFF, maybe they would not have paid them their outstanding bonuses they owed them. His move and approach resolved everything and for this, it was a life in line for his national call up which he gave up. At least, now he can focus on his career as an international player till he finally quits football.

I think this person summarized the reason why Troost retired from the national team. Judging from how sudden his retirement came, I believe there was a lot going on behind the scenes that influenced his decision to quit but I think there’s more to it than owed salaries and bonuses; the poor training facilities and medical care may also be a factor.

I already said before now that before this his retirement is not far fetched from that training boycott that he led as a captain of the team. The NFF guys are vindictive in nature, so they would probably look for who to blame, and I believe Ekong has received a lot of backlash for that action, and maybe the coach would have probably hinted to him that he might not be seeing a regular full time match, and Ekong would have on the other hand weighed his options and come to the conclusion that retirement would be the best option.

The Nigeria national team still needs a player like Troost-Ekong in their defense line because he can help the Nigeria national team go far in the CAF Orange African Cup of Nations. If Troost-Ekong knows that the training session he led the Nigeria national team boycott is the reason for his retirement from international football, he should speak up so that Nigeria fans will know the actual reason for his unexpected retirement.

[Ronsbit]

snip

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I totally feel you, bro. The way the NFF has been handled is straight up maddening corruption, unpaid entitlements, and the whole thing just dragging our football down. It’s like the govt is either clueless or just in cahoots, and that makes the frustration hit even harder. And it also feels discouraging to the player not getting full support from the NFF it really is unhealthy for the player, I think this matter should be look into as soon as possible.

One thing they forget is that most of all these payments and early response to players' demand are what motivate the players to put in their all to make sure they put a smile on the face of their nation during games. When players are properly attended to, it boosts their morale to want to do more by putting all efforts into making sure they win games, but when they are not properly attended to, they just play for playing sake and do not care about the outcome of their input because the team they represent does not care or bother about them.
The earlier the NFF stops all this bullshit, the better for the national team, because their actions impact the players' performances and also affect the team ranking in the world. These actions of theirs does not really depicts of what a sports body stands for what they are supposed to do to their national team. They better stop these ill treatment they do to these players who have willingly accept their national call to serve the nation because if it continues like this, it would get to a point where players would begin to turn down invite from the NFF.

[Mr Reporter]

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I totally feel you, bro. The way the NFF has been handled is straight up maddening corruption, unpaid entitlements, and the whole thing just dragging our football down. It’s like the govt is either clueless or just in cahoots, and that makes the frustration hit even harder. And it also feels discouraging to the player not getting full support from the NFF it really is unhealthy for the player, I think this matter should be look into as soon as possible.

One thing they forget is that most of all these payments and early response to players' demand are what motivate the players to put in their all to make sure they put a smile on the face of their nation during games. When players are properly attended to, it boosts their morale to want to do more by putting all efforts into making sure they win games, but when they are not properly attended to, they just play for playing sake and do not care about the outcome of their input because the team they represent does not care or bother about them.
The earlier the NFF stops all this bullshit, the better for the national team, because their actions impact the players' performances and also affect the team ranking in the world. These actions of theirs does not really depicts of what a sports body stands for what they are supposed to do to their national team. They better stop these ill treatment they do to these players who have willingly accept their national call to serve the nation because if it continues like this, it would get to a point where players would begin to turn down invite from the NFF.

when the NFF drops the ball on payments and basic support, the players feel it and the whole team suffers.

If they start treating the squad right, morale could skyrocket and the rankings would follow and for sure this could boast their entire team to play well and become more formed, o think this style fit better.

[Oluwa-btc]

Who will be the next Super Eagle captain? I nominate Iwobi?

https://hallmarknews.com/super-eagles-captain-william-troost-ekong-retires-from-international-football-at-32/

I come back to this post. I'd nominate Victor Osimhen or Wilfred Ndidi and that's because, Alexander Iwobi might have had more international caps but I don't think he is Captain material. He folds under pressure and that is not the type of player we should have as a captain. Victor Osimhen is tested, approved and trusted and he's shown quality off and on the pitch. Wilfred Ndidi seems like a clear headed gentleman, I'm a lot certain he'd be suitable for that. Victor Osimhen anger issues a drawback for this position. Lol!

[Futurexxx]

Who will be the next Super Eagle captain? I nominate Iwobi?

https://hallmarknews.com/super-eagles-captain-william-troost-ekong-retires-from-international-football-at-32/

I come back to this post. I'd nominate Victor Osimhen or Wilfred Ndidi and that's because, Alexander Iwobi might have had more international caps but I don't think he is Captain material. He folds under pressure and that is not the type of player we should have as a captain. Victor Osimhen is tested, approved and trusted and he's shown quality off and on the pitch. Wilfred Ndidi seems like a clear headed gentleman, I'm a lot certain he'd be suitable for that. Victor Osimhen anger issues a drawback for this position. Lol!

You have a good point here that the anger issue of victor osimhen is one big red flag why he should not be made our new super eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi is my own pick for that position since he is one of the longest serving super eagles player and among the top three players nominated, he seems like the best option to me.

The other player I would have loved to see as the captain of our super team is Carney Bassey, but he wouldn't be considered because he is just too early in our super eagles team, unlike the rest that was nominated.
But if we are looking for a captain that will be outspoken, someone that can lead confidently, then nwabali our number one goalkeeper is the best option because his characteristics speaks volumes.

[Agbamoni]

I come back to this post. I'd nominate Victor Osimhen or Wilfred Ndidi and that's because, Alexander Iwobi might have had more international caps but I don't think he is Captain material. He folds under pressure and that is not the type of player we should have as a captain. Victor Osimhen is tested, approved and trusted and he's shown quality off and on the pitch. Wilfred Ndidi seems like a clear headed gentleman, I'm a lot certain he'd be suitable for that. Victor Osimhen anger issues a drawback for this position. Lol!

You want to talk about Captain material, then you might just agree with me that Ekong never had that fighting spirit the way Osimhen did, yet he was the captain. At some point, it is not about being captain material; it is about the player who is in the center of it all. Iwobi has more touches on the ball, he is the midfielder player that connects the back to the front. He is one of the older international players we have, he is fit to be the Captain.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Who will be the next Super Eagle captain? I nominate Iwobi?

https://hallmarknews.com/super-eagles-captain-william-troost-ekong-retires-from-international-football-at-32/

I come back to this post. I'd nominate Victor Osimhen or Wilfred Ndidi and that's because, Alexander Iwobi might have had more international caps but I don't think he is Captain material. He folds under pressure and that is not the type of player we should have as a captain. Victor Osimhen is tested, approved and trusted and he's shown quality off and on the pitch. Wilfred Ndidi seems like a clear headed gentleman, I'm a lot certain he'd be suitable for that. Victor Osimhen anger issues a drawback for this position. Lol!

Well, I don't know very much about Wilfred ndidi but Victor osimhen is really the man I did support to become the captain of the Nigerian super eagles if given the opportunity to.

Yeah, Osimhen might have anger issues but I still think he's the best qualified, and as a matter of fact, no body is without a weak point, no body is a saint without a sin he or she is battling, we all have our weaknesses and for osimhen, if anger is his weakness, it's manageable because anger can be controlled, we can't use anger as a basis to not give that captain position to who really deserve it the most, except if we are to start playing politics with the position, then maybe osimhen might not be the best man for the position.

[Ronsbit]

snip

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I totally feel you, bro. The way the NFF has been handled is straight up maddening corruption, unpaid entitlements, and the whole thing just dragging our football down. It’s like the govt is either clueless or just in cahoots, and that makes the frustration hit even harder. And it also feels discouraging to the player not getting full support from the NFF it really is unhealthy for the player, I think this matter should be look into as soon as possible.

One thing they forget is that most of all these payments and early response to players' demand are what motivate the players to put in their all to make sure they put a smile on the face of their nation during games. When players are properly attended to, it boosts their morale to want to do more by putting all efforts into making sure they win games, but when they are not properly attended to, they just play for playing sake and do not care about the outcome of their input because the team they represent does not care or bother about them.
The earlier the NFF stops all this bullshit, the better for the national team, because their actions impact the players' performances and also affect the team ranking in the world. These actions of theirs does not really depicts of what a sports body stands for what they are supposed to do to their national team. They better stop these ill treatment they do to these players who have willingly accept their national call to serve the nation because if it continues like this, it would get to a point where players would begin to turn down invite from the NFF.

when the NFF drops the ball on payments and basic support, the players feel it and the whole team suffers.

If they start treating the squad right, morale could skyrocket and the rankings would follow and for sure this could boast their entire team to play well and become more formed, o think this style fit better.

Of course, such an approach would boost the morale of the players to put much effort into their games. Things of this nature always have a positive impact on the mindset of players because if they are constantly treated nicely, they would not mind what the outcome would look like, they would dare to put in effort, let it be that they gave their all to make sure they won, but when they are ill-treated by their mother organisation, it would not be alright with them because they would feel they don not care about them and this is how players loose interest in playing for their nations because of how they were treated and to be sincere with you, that national team would always be stagnated and would not have good football records.

[Fiatless]

You want to talk about Captain material, then you might just agree with me that Ekong never had that fighting spirit the way Osimhen did, yet he was the captain. At some point, it is not about being captain material; it is about the player who is in the center of it all. Iwobi has more touches on the ball, he is the midfielder player that connects the back to the front. He is one of the older international players we have, he is fit to be the Captain.

Captains don't need to be aggressive. I might not be correct, Victor Osimhen is not yet mature enough to be the skipper of a team. He is easily irritated and could react violently in some situations. A captain should be cool-headed but firm. He should be tolerant and have the right communication skills. Captainship is not for the best players, but for those with the required leadership skills.

[SatoPrincess]

You want to talk about Captain material, then you might just agree with me that Ekong never had that fighting spirit the way Osimhen did, yet he was the captain. At some point, it is not about being captain material; it is about the player who is in the center of it all. Iwobi has more touches on the ball, he is the midfielder player that connects the back to the front. He is one of the older international players we have, he is fit to be the Captain.

Captains don't need to be aggressive. I might not be correct, Victor Osimhen is not yet mature to be the skipper of a team. He is easily irritatated and could react violently in some situations. A captian should be coolheaded but firm. He should be tolerant and have the right communication skills. Captionship is not for the best players, but for those with the required leadership skills.

I disagree. One can be passionate and explosive and still make a good captain. A good example is Roy Keane who was captain for both Manchester United and his country side Ireland for many years. I don’t think Osimhen is half as aggressive as Roy Keane in his day yet he was able to command the dressing room with respect and confidence.