Deeney Fires Back: “I Don’t Care” — Ex-PL Star Slams Troost-Ekong’s Post-Gabon Remarks
Written by Abidoye Babatunde Blackcoin on 15 — 11
Former Watford and Birmingham City forward Troy Deeney has branded William Troost-Ekong “insecure” following the defender’s reaction to criticism after Nigeria’s 4–1 victory over Gabon.
Ekong and Deeney were teammates at Watford during the 2020/21 Championship season, though they never actually shared the pitch.
The debate intensified when CBS pundit Michael Lahoud questioned Ekong’s leadership credentials, accusing the Super Eagles captain of being active only on social media rather than demonstrating authority on the field.
“William Troost-Ekong hasn’t stepped up as a leader. He’s a social media leader — he tweets things,” Lahoud said.
“The biggest leadership thing he’s done was during the debacle in Libya when they were stranded at the airport.
He handled the press conferences, but on the pitch, he hasn’t done any talking. He hasn’t led from the back. Nigeria needs leadership on the field.”
Deeney echoed those sentiments, arguing that Ekong lacks the toughness to confront the Nigerian Football Federation over team issues.
After Nigeria’s win over Gabon, Ekong admitted he was surprised by Deeney’s comments, noting the retired striker could have easily reached out privately.
“To be honest, I was a bit disappointed because I supported him when he was Watford captain. I later became captain too,” Ekong said.
“He could have just called me. If he doesn’t respect me, maybe he should return the Nigeria shirt I gave him — maybe it’s still on his wall. But I don’t want to dwell too much on it.”
Deeney describes Troost-Ekong as insecure
Deeney, who never earned a senior cap for England during his playing career, has now doubled down on his stance, saying Ekong’s reaction only proves his point.
“What did I say that wasn’t respectful? I said the truth. Will is a good kid,” the 37-year-old told TalkSPORT.
“He did give me a shirt — I collect shirts. It’s a strange situation.
“If I cared enough to call him, I would, but I don’t. I could call Will; he’s a good kid — but I don’t care.”
“In my view, when dealing with the federation, you need a bit of edge — you have to be tough, even unpleasant at times — and I never saw that side of him at Watford.
“The only thing I’ll add is that he’s actually proving Michael Lahoud right, because Michael said he’d go out and do all that media work, and that’s exactly what he’s doing.
“When someone tells the truth, it stings.
“So if I upset you, Will, deal with it and move on. If I truly wanted to be disrespectful, you know I’d do it properly — you know me.
“And secondly, if you have to start listing how many caps you’ve won and highlighting all your achievements, then you’re not really secure in yourself.
“Relax. Nigeria won. Stop talking about us — let the media guys do their job while you stick to your podcast. Love you, and see you soon,” Deeney concluded.
