Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has declined to explain his decision to drop captain William Troost-Ekong from the starting XI in Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo.
The experienced defender, who usually leads the team, was left on the bench as 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick partnered Calvin Bassey in central defence. Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi captained the side in Ekong’s absence.
Troost-Ekong was eventually introduced late in the game, but when asked by reporters about the decision, Chelle remained firm:
“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; if we don’t, they will complain. But this is my choice.”
