The former Super Eagles coach opens in Ekong after an error against Zimbabwe, warns Chelle

The Nigeria super eagles suffered a late disappointment to attract 1-1 against Zimbabwe at home in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a result that has further reduced its possibilities to leave their group as winners.

The captain of the Nigerian team William Troost-Ekong was guilty for the late goal admitted in that game, an error he owned before his teammates after the game in Uyo.

His performance was not entirely inspiring, especially for someone who was voted as the most valuable player (MVP) in the last AFCon in Ivory Cote, a tournament that could have been lost if it were not for a change of mentality by former coach José Peseoiro.

“Ekong’s national team was over. He was not even supposed to be in the last AFCon. Peseiro felt that he was too slow, and not technical enough when it comes to his positioning and movements around the box,” said one of Pesiro’s attendees to Owngoalnigeria.com.

“Credit for him because he arrived at the camp in large part due to the fact that Pesiro wanted him as an option from the bank not as a starter, but the way he trained, and also played in the test games forced a rethinking especially with the combination of Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey did not work.”

However, he said that after the first game against Equatorial Guinea in the tournament, they had an agreement to go with a three butt to prevent Ekong from being exposed due to their lack of rhythm and diminished awareness.

“I would like to warn the new super -eagles coach when playing Ekong in a back Four. He will never work. We notice after the first game in the AFCon and we decided to play it in three with Calvin Bassey covering his lack of pace of rhythm while Semi Ajayi does not have the same for his poor fun. This is how the MVP won in the AFCon,” he concluded.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman