The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has said he was only doing his job after leaving out Troost-Ekong against Rwanda on Saturday.
Troost-Ekong, who usually wears the captain’s armband, was benched for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Chelle started 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick in central defence alongside Calvin Bassey.
This meant it was Wilfred Ndidi who led the three-time African champions out.
Chelle eventually brought Troost-Ekong on as a late substitute, as Nigeria defeated the Amavubi 1-0.
When asked by the media about his decision, Chelle replied: “I don’t want to explain myself; this is my choice as a coach, and I respect and believe in all my players.
“This is my job. If we win, everybody will be happy, and if we don’t, they will complain, but this is my choice.”
2026 WCQ: Why I dropped Troost-Ekong for Nigeria vs Rwanda – Chelle
