The decision of head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle to play William Troost-Ekong in the Super Eagles 1-1 draw against South Africa in the world cup qualifiers was made under pressure, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Ekong was a second half substitute in the 1-0 win over Rwanda in the world cup qualifiers in Uyo. His spot was handed to 20 year old on loan Brentford defender Benjamin Fredrick who posted a man of the match performance in his first ever start at competitive level for Nigeria.
Fredrick kept his spot in the team for the game against South Africa, but this time around was made to play in a back four with captain Ekong as his partner in defence.
However Ekong lasted just 45 minutes before he was subbed off during the half time break. Only after he had scored an own goal and struggled to cope with the pace and direct approach of the host.
” When Ekong was listed to start in the game , I just smiled because I know it wasn’t the idea of the coach. In the first game when it was announced that Ekong won’t start there was a mild drama over the decision to pick Fredrick. Three senior players openly expressed their reservations about the choice of the coach”, a player in the team revealed.
” I was on the bench that day and not only were we surprised by Benjamin’s performance. We were blown away but after the game , some senior players started with the same agenda of we need Ekong away to South Africa because of the nature of the game.
• The coach (Chelle) bowed to pressure and I believe he will be having some regrets. At half time he switched to his preferred option although Ola Aina would have moved to left back for Bright Osayi-Samuel to play at right back if not for his injury. I was expecting to be introduced but unfortunately not everyone can play”, he concluded.
