Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong’s exclusion from the CAF FIFPro Best XI has sparked widespread criticism, with football fans questioning the credibility of the selection process.
Troost-Ekong, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and earned a spot in the tournament’s Best XI, was notably omitted from the CAF Team of the Year. Instead, defenders Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal) and Chancel Mbemba (Ivory Coast) were selected ahead of him.
The Nigerian captain had an impressive season with Greek side PAOK, keeping 14 clean sheets in 28 matches and helping his team clinch the Greek Super League title. He was also the second-highest-rated defender in the league, with an average rating of 7.02.
Fans and pundits alike have taken to social media to express their outrage:
– “This CAF Men’s Team of The Year is a JOKE because how is Koulibaly in that team ahead of Ekong who won the best player in AFCON 2023? We are proud of you, our captain,” wrote Ayo Marvel.
– Napaul questioned, “William Troost-Ekong was the AFCON player of the tournament, how come he was nowhere to be found during the CAF Awards?!”
– Ethan added, “So all these weren’t good enough for my boy William Troost-Ekong to be in the CAF XI? It’s really embarrassing.”
The CAF FIFPro XI included Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, alongside notable names like Andre Onana, Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Kudus, Franck Kessie, and Mohamed Salah.
Critics, however, have highlighted inconsistencies in the selection criteria, with some suggesting bias. Samson Babajide Fayoyiwa wrote, “Why is Onana there? On what basis? Why is Ekong, the MVP of the Nations Cup, missing?”
Troost-Ekong’s omission has overshadowed his significant achievements, including three goals during AFCON 2024 and a nomination for the FIFA Best XI. His snub continues to fuel debates about transparency and fairness in CAF’s award selections.
