Real Reasons I Am Quitting International Football - William Troost-Ekong

The weight of expectation and subsequent pressure to deliver is one that's now synonymous with international football.

Fans of all countries rest their dreams on a team of 11, a squad of 23 in total, and a manager tying it all together to achieve national pride.

When that doesn't happen, chaos ensues. Superstars who were once national heroes for their successes across the globe are quickly labelled villains and become the focal point of what can be an inescapable abuse.

Sometimes, the scriptwriters leave the fate of a nation to the finest of margins. A penalty shoot-out, a late goal, a refereeing decision. Or sometimes the issues tell a tale of wider infrastructural oversights.

For William Troost-Ekong, the now former captain of Nigeria after he decided to call time on a decade-long career as a Super Eagle, that "pressure was a privilege."

The centre-back will not be at the Africa Cup of Nations. His international retirement came as a shock to many Nigerians.

Most, who looked forward to righting the wrongs of the 2023 final defeat against Ivory Coast and their most recent failure to reach the World Cup for the second consecutive time, have been left bewildered by the timing. However, it's a decision that Troost-Ekong has battled with for some time.

"I just felt like the right time for me," Troost-Ekong told Sky Sports.

"It feels like a chapter is closing. But I also feel happy, I feel proud. I've had such a great run with the Super Eagles to be part of the team for over 10 years.

"It's been such a big part of my identity, something I've been so proud of. Just to be part of the team is one of the biggest honours that I've had in my life so far.

"For me to grow into becoming a captain of the team is something that I couldn't have even imagined at the start of it.

"It's bittersweet, but it just felt like the right time for me."

Troost-Ekong retires as Nigeria's ninth-most capped player, with 83 appearances to his name.

His time with the national team was a rollercoaster. There were highs interlinked with the lows, along with doubts and disagreements. Troost-Ekong was part of a Nigeria team that earned a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics before achieving third place at the 2021 AFCON.

In 2023, he led Nigeria to the AFCON final as captain, becoming the competition's highest-scoring defender ever while also being named Player of the Tournament. A career highlight, scoring in the final to open the scoring, became a low, shipping two goals to hosts Ivory Coast, and losing as favourites for the competition.

"It feels surreal," Troost-Ekong says as he describes the feeling of dragging his nation to an AFCON final.

"I think maybe because I already had the first thoughts about stopping at that time. I was probably more emotional.

"I wasn't in the best relationship with the coach that we had at the time, even though we made up afterwards and I went to the tournament.

"So to be there, I was just trying to enjoy it as much as I could because I kind of said to myself, 'this would be my last tournament'.

"It wasn't until we finished the tournament, and I thought, wow, that was something really special to be a part of. And I think I managed to show my best version and lead the team as well as I could."

Troost-Ekong was in tears after the final whistle blew in Abidjan. But as his sorrow turned to pride, anger from fans who felt their team should have won turned to abuse, platformed by a harsh Nigerian media.

Fulham duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi felt the full brunt of the abuse as their Premier League status came with expectation that they failed to deliver upon.

An unforgiving media alongside a passionate fanbase is a recipe for disaster when things don't go your way.

"Was the media scrutiny too much? Maybe at times. When I got older, I kind of had to learn how to deal with that.

"And I think the best way is through experiencing it. I think you have to share that. I don't think you've got to take that upon yourself because it's not just me playing in the team.

"But as a team, my role was definitely growing in that and change because you have to try and absorb that and try to keep everyone level-headed.

"It's difficult to do because there are so many moving parts, whether it's the manager, whether it's within the federation, or of course, the fans who want the best for the team and are so passionate, which is also the beauty of Nigerian football.

"It can be a lot sometimes. So, I think you just try to create a circle around the team and you treat that as a family."

Troost-Ekong has stepped away from the "family" in a playing capacity but believes the foundations have been laid to achieve success. However, Nigeria haven't won the tournament since 2013. Every year spent without the trophy since has spelt failure for a nation consistently among the favourites and among the competition's most valuable squads.

Having said that, players such as Iwobi and Bassey have grown more mature.

Victor Osimhen's performances at the height of the European game have sustained, while the likes of Ademola Lookman and Wilfried Ndidi will hope to play a key role this AFCON.

"I feel like there's been a gradual passing of the baton from where I am as one of the leaders and captain of the team," Troost-Ekong said.

"It's time to step away and let the next generation and the boys I've been playing with for the last years give them a chance to write their own story.

"The team are very well placed to achieve something at this AFCON.

"The last AFCON taught us so much. Of course, losing that, you learn a lot. You understand how to play that occasion better when it comes.

"I think the team will be unfazed now until that moment and they'll definitely want to put those wrongs right.

"I'll be there to support them as much as I can because I think if we have a chance to win the AFCON now in Morocco, I would still feel like I've been a part of that generation, the set of players, even though I wouldn't be there at that moment.

"It would be a beautiful way to kind of crown the generation of players that we've had now and also give them the respect that they, over the years, probably deserved. But you need to earn it. There's been a golden set before 2013 that won it."

Culled from Sky Sports

 

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Government Should Penalize Wives Who Provoke Their Husbands - Nollywood Actress, Esther Nwachukwu

Nollywood actress Esther Nwachukwu has called for sanctions against wives who habitually provoke their husbands. Speaking on the various marital crises in the entertainment industry, she said, “Women should not provoke men to anger. In fact, the government should start sanctioning women for their provocative behaviour in marriage.”

According to the actress, women should not only speak up when abused but also when men treat them well.

“Women speaking up when they are abused is fine. But they should also acknowledge when men do their best for them. Men are barely cared for. All fingers point at men when things go wrong, but nobody considers what women do. If things are good, women are applauded; if bad, men are blamed. No one cares for these men.”

She also explained her involvement in Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko’s marriage controversy.

“Regina Daniels has nothing to lose; she’s young and may end up marrying a white man. But she has publicly disgraced Ned Nwoko and damaged his reputation. I am convinced Ned would lose the next election.”

 

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Regina revealed this in a recently-uploaded video on her Facebook account which she captioned “God is my guyy shaaa, and I’m his special last born”. Her post prompted followers to ask questions about her future.

When asked if she would consider marrying another man, Daniels replied without hesitation: “Nopeee! Traumatized with that institution.”

On whether she misses her husband and children, she said, “I no get strength to add effort pepper person. My waking up every day na tatashe but yes I freakinggggg missssss my kids.”

The couple’s private troubles spilt into the public domain in October when a video surfaced showing Daniels in tears, alleging she was a victim of domestic violence. Nwoko swiftly denied the claims, insisting instead that his wife was battling drug and alcohol addiction.

Daniels later acknowledged her involvement with hard drugs but accused the lawmaker of engineering her dependency as a means of manipulation and control.

The movie star has two male children with Nwoko.

 

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Nobody Died, No Injuries Recorded In Ejigbo Hoodlums Attack - Police

The Lagos State Police Command has refuted media reports suggesting that a death and injuries were recorded when hoodlums invaded Ajebo community, near Agbowa in the Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

In a statement on Friday, the Lagos police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the reports were not only untrue and misleading but highly mischievous.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to categorically set the record straight and correct the mischievous, untrue, and misleading report by ‘Newtelegraphng’ alleging that Ajebo community was invaded by armed hoodlums who destroyed properties, injured residents, and fired gunshots indiscriminately,” Adebisi said.

She explained that the incidents that occurred are a land dispute between two families within the Ajebo community that led to chaos and confusion in the village.

Adebisi stated that upon receiving the report, the police joint intervention teams comprising the Tactical Squads, the PMF Anti-Riots Police personnel, conventional police personnel from Agbowa Division, Area N Command, and other special Police units from the Lagos Police Command Headquarters as well as others stationed at Agbowa were immediately deployed to the location.

According to her, normalcy was promptly restored, and the people of the community continued to go about their normal business and other activities of livelihood.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has directed a prompt intervention and investigation into the incident.

Adebisi said preliminary investigation revealed that the disturbance and clashes within the village stemmed from a land dispute between two contending families, and not an attack by gunmen against the community.

“No life was lost and no injuries were inflicted on anyone or the people of the village before and during the clashes before normalcy was restored and is currently being sustained,” she clarified.

“The Command further wishes to reaffirm that there was no firing of any firearm or guns during the incident, contrary to the claims circulated in the report.

“No death or injury was also recorded, and there was no invasion of the community by any armed group from anywhere.

“The detachments of Police Officers and other tactical Squads intervened and acted swiftly, professionally, and immediately restored peace and tranquility throughout the community. Peace has since returned to the area.”

She added that the leadership of the two parties involved in the land dispute has been identified and served police invitations to report for investigation at the office of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, immediately.

They have also been strongly warned to remain peaceful and that the police will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law on troublemakers.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh, has implored and cautioned members of the public against spreading misinformation, and urged the writer of the story to desist from publishing reports that are incorrect, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary fear and panic.

He has also stressed the need for responsible reporting for the benefit of the public, while reassuring residents of the affected community, and Lagos State in general, of the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, security, and order across Lagos State at all times.

 

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Police Burst Large Fake Drugs Manufacturing Company In Ojo

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Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday at the raided building on Alhaji Oki Road, Mosafejo, in Ojo, Jimoh described the operation as a significant breakthrough in safeguarding public health.

He said that the illegal facility had been producing counterfeit pharmaceutical products intended for public consumption.

He said that many of the items recovered were orally administered drugs that posed serious health risks to unsuspecting buyers.

“Fake drugs injure and endanger the lives of thousands. The last floor of the three-storey building was where these items were being produced illegally.

“The machines used to alter drug expiry dates and repackage expired products were also recovered,” he said.

CP Jimoh stated that the operation was conducted in accordance with the powers granted to the police under Nigerian law, which mandates officers to investigate and arrest individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs.

He said that the police collaborated with relevant agencies throughout the investigation.

According to him, the alleged mastermind behind the operation is still on the run, and efforts are underway to track him down.

“We will extend our investigation to all his activities, we are not going to limit our work to this building, our collaboration with relevant agencies will continue until every person involved is brought to justice,” he said.

The police boss issued a stern warning, urging the public to exercise caution when buying medicines and to verify the authenticity of drugs before use.

He noted that counterfeiters often target unsuspecting buyers and encouraged people to report any suspicious activities.

“Consumers must be very careful about where they buy their drugs. If you have doubts, verify before you buy,” he said.

The commissioner also commended officers of the command, community leaders, and members of the public whose credible intelligence led to the raid.

“We appreciate the valuable information from the community. Once you give information to the police, we will protect you. This success came from actionable intelligence, and we want the public to have confidence in us,” he said.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to intensifying crime detection and prevention, adding that the fight against counterfeit drugs remains a priority.

Jimoh stated that investigations were ongoing, with more arrests expected as the command works to dismantle networks involved in distributing counterfeit medical products.

 

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How Driver Killed A 36-Year Old Man Over Parking Space In Lekki

A 36-year-old realtor, Yinka Agboola, has been killed after a yet-to-be-identified driver allegedly knocked him down during a dispute over a parking space at Royal Pine Estate on Orchid Road, Lekki.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Monday evening.

An X user, @Ifeoluwaar, who raised the alarm in a series of posts, disclosed that the driver had earlier been offered an alternative parking spot after residents found his vehicle obstructing the road.

However, the driver reportedly became hostile and threatened to kill one of the residents.

The confrontation escalated into a scuffle, prompting Agboola, also a resident, to intervene.

“The situation began when the individual involved was politely asked to move his vehicle from the middle of the road to allow free movement.

“Despite being offered an alternative place to park, he responded to a resident with, ‘Do you know who I am? I will kill you right now.’

“When challenged, he became aggressive and engaged in a tussle. The victim, Olayinka Agboola, attempted to intervene,” the post read.

The X user further revealed that the suspect entered his vehicle and, rather than leaving the scene, allegedly drove forward and reversed in a threatening manner.

According to @Ifeoluwaar, Agboola attempted to restrain the driver, but the suspect sped off with him clinging to the steering wheel before knocking him against a pavement.

“While residents tried to stop him and prevent his escape, Yinka attempted to restrain him, but the suspect sped off with him hanging onto the steering wheel.

“He then slammed the brakes, throwing Yinka violently onto the pavement and into a gutter, leaving him unconscious,” the post read.

The footage of the incident, captured by a closed-circuit television camera and attached to the post, showed a white Mercedes-Benz reversing dangerously as it attempted to hit a group of people.

Another clip recorded the moment Agboola was knocked down as the vehicle sped off.

Another X user, @Omolomo, who also shared the story, provided Agboola’s sister’s bank account details to raise funds for his treatment.

In a follow-up post on Wednesday, the user announced that Agboola had succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of the day.

“Oh my God, we lost him. He died in the early hours of today,” the post read.

The videos have intensified public calls for the police to track down the suspect and bring him to justice.

@Omolomo also shared an account of the efforts made to apprehend the suspect, posting the vehicle’s number plate.

The victim’s sister, Agboola Oluwadamilola, told newsmen that the incident had been reported to the Ajah police station.

“I went to the Ajah police station. The witnesses have been there before, but I went there yesterday to give my own statement,” she said.

She added that the whereabouts of the suspect were still unknown at the time of filing in this report.

 

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The Officer Attacked At Oshodi Was Not A Thief - Lagos CP

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media showing an Inspector of Police being beaten, alongside claims that he was caught stealing, describing the allegation as false and misleading.

In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and posted on the Command’s official X handle on Thursday, the police explained that the officer in the video is attached to the Lagos State Taskforce and was on official duty enforcing the state government’s ban on wrong parking along Brown Street, Oshodi.

According to the statement, the Inspector had stopped a motorist attempting to park illegally when the driver became violent, leading to a confrontation.

During the incident, the officer accidentally discharged shots onto the road, causing debris to scatter.

Angry mob gathered immediately, the Inspector was violently attacked and sustained serious injuries.

The Command confirmed that the Inspector has been subjected to disciplinary procedures for unprofessional conduct.

Meanwhile, thirteen suspects seen assaulting the officer in the viral video have been arrested and are currently in police custody. They will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations. The suspects include: Dele Oriade, 39; Adekunle Olalere, 40; Mudashiru Olamilekan, 28; Anayo Achusie, 34; Joshua Enwonyin, 24; Okoro Okechukwu, 26; Rilwan Lateef, 32; Damilare Odebode, 22; Haruna Aleshi, 25; Sodiq Omoniyi, 26; Chukwudi Patience, 25; Godstime Okafor, 26; and Chinedu Divine, 29.

The Commissioner of Police condemned the officer’s misconduct but also warned that attacks on police personnel performing lawful duties will not be tolerated.

He reiterated that assaulting law enforcement officers is a criminal offence and will not be condoned under any circumstances.

The Command urged the public to remain calm, desist from spreading misinformation, and cooperate with the police in maintaining law and order across Lagos State.

 

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