2026 WCQ playoffs: Drop Troost-Ekong if you want Nigeria to qualify – Oliseh to Chelle

Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh has advised head coach, Eric Chelle to drop defender William Troost-Ekong from his starting XI to play in the World Cup playoffs next month if he wants Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup.

Oliseh expressed doubts over Troost-Ekong’s current form and ability, suggesting that the Al-Kholood player is approaching the end of his career for both club and country.

“If we want to have a bright chance of going to the World Cup, Troost-Ekong has to be put on the bench,” Oliseh said on his YouTube channel.

“It is as simple as that. You get to play for the Super Eagles based on the results you bring in.

“If you look at the last three or four games we played, the two matches Troost didn’t feature in, we didn’t concede a goal.

“The reality is very simple, you don’t go into a game as a manager looking at sentiments. You play the best players.

“Play only those who are in top form, not because of sentiments. I’m saying it clearly: drop the captain and let him take a break.

“I’m not saying don’t take him to the World Cup, but for these games, he needs to rest.”