Nantes defender, Chidozie Awaziem has admitted that the Super Eagles will miss former captain William Troost-Ekong as they prepare to take on Tanzania in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, opener on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old described Troost-Ekong as a leader who some of the Super Eagles players look up to.
Awaziem stands as one of the most experienced defenders in the Super Eagles squad after Troost-Ekong’s retirement.
The former FC Porto player is set to compete in his fourth AFCON tournament, having represented Nigeria in the 2019, 2021, and 2023 editions.
“I mean, he is a captain and leader to us, someone that most players look up to in the defence8,” Awaziem told Elegbete TV Sports about Troost-Ekong.
“He will be missed, but all the other guys, we have been with him for a long time. So, we know the structure.
“We know the system, and we will just keep going about it the same way, and I think he has done a good job, but we just have to focus on the AFCON and then move on.”
AFCON: ‘He’s a leader’ – Awaziem on Nigerian player Super Eagles will miss
