Former Super Eagles star slams CAF for William Troost-Ekong’s African XI omission
Former Nigerian international Ifeanyi Udeze has expressed surprise and disappointment over the exclusion of Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong from the CAF African XI, despite his remarkable performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Speaking on Brila FM, Udeze questioned the reasoning behind Troost-Ekong’s absence from the prestigious list, particularly given that the defender was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
Udeze, who is known for his outspoken views on Nigerian football matters, emphasized that Troost-Ekong’s exclusion was baffling, considering his exceptional contributions to the Super Eagles’ campaign in the competition. He argued that as the AFCON MVP, Ekong’s inclusion in the African XI should have been automatic, without the need for votes or debate.
“Troost Ekong is the AFCON MVP, why isn’t he on the Africa Best XI?” Udeze questioned, highlighting what he perceives as a clear oversight. He further stated, “He doesn’t need a vote, his place should be automatic.” Udeze’s comments reflect a growing sense of frustration among Nigerian football fans, who feel that Ekong’s achievements on the continental stage deserve greater recognition.