Ideye Questions Troost Ekong’s Leadership in Super Eagles

Out of favour Nigeria international Brown Ideye has raised concerns over the leadership within the current Super Eagles squad. During an X space conversation hosted by The Naija Football Conference on June 22, Ideye criticized the lack of genuine leaders among the players.

The former West Brom striker highlighted that experienced players like Kenneth Omeruo and Ahmed Musa, who were part of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad, are no longer guaranteed spots in the team. He questioned the leadership qualities of William Troost Ekong, suggesting that the PAOK defender, who captained the team at AFCON, is merely a figurehead.

Ideye argued that Troost Ekong does not have control over influential players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze. He stated that the Super Eagles have struggled in recent matches due to the absence of a leader who can instil discipline and focus, unlike during his time when leaders like Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo were present.

A leader has to be someone who has been in that team for years and years. In the present Super Eagles, we don’t have those players like Enyeama and Yobo anymore, Ideye remarked. He emphasized that leadership is not just about wearing the captain’s armband and questioned whether Troost Ekong could effectively communicate and lead players like Osimhen.

Ideye also pointed out that many seasoned Nigerian players are deemed surplus to requirements once they turn 30, contrasting this with European teams that regularly include older, experienced players in their squads.

Ideye is currently seeking a new club following the expiration of his contract with Kuwaiti side Al Yarmouk SC.

Editorial

Brown Ideye’s comments on the current state of leadership within the Super Eagles resonate with many fans who have observed a lack of cohesion and discipline in recent performances. Leadership in a football team is crucial, not just for tactical execution but also for maintaining morale and focus on and off the pitch.

The absence of established leaders like Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo, who commanded respect and provided guidance, is evident in the current squad. While William Troost Ekong has been handed the captain’s armband, Ideye’s observations suggest that leadership must go beyond formal titles to influence and command the team effectively.

The notion that players over 30 are prematurely sidelined in Nigerian football contrasts starkly with practices in Europe, where experience is highly valued. This mindset not only undermines the contributions of seasoned players but also deprives younger players of the opportunity to learn from their experienced counterparts.

For the Super Eagles to regain their former glory, it is essential to foster a culture of genuine leadership, where experienced players are integrated and their insights valued. Leadership should be about influence, experience, and the ability to unite and motivate the team towards common goals. As fans, we hope that the coaching staff and football administrators take these insights to heart and work towards building a more cohesive and disciplined team.

Did You Know?

1. William Troost Ekong was born in the Netherlands and has represented Nigeria since 2015.
2. Brown Ideye was part of Nigeria’s squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
3. Vincent Enyeama is Nigeria’s most capped player, with over 100 appearances for the Super Eagles.
4. The Super Eagles last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, with notable leaders like Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama.
5. Many European national teams regularly feature players over 30, valuing their experience and leadership on the field.