The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has said he was only doing his job after leaving out Troost-Ekong against Rwanda on Saturday.
Troost-Ekong, who usually wears the captain’s armband, was benched for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Chelle started 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick in central defence alongside Calvin Bassey.
This meant it was Wilfred Ndidi who led the three-time African champions out.
Chelle eventually brought Troost-Ekong on as a late substitute, as Nigeria defeated the Amavubi 1-0.
When asked by the media about his decision, Chelle replied: “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, and if we don’t, they will complain, but this is my choice.”