Former Nigerian international Ifeanyi Udeze has expressed dissatisfaction over the exclusion of Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong from the African XI at the recently held CAF Awards.
Troost-Ekong, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, was conspicuously absent from the prestigious lineup, sparking criticism from football analysts and fans alike.
Speaking on Brila FM, Udeze argued that Troost-Ekong’s MVP status at AFCON should have guaranteed him a spot on the African XI.
“Troost Ekong is the AFCON MVP, why isn’t he on the Africa Best XI? He doesn’t need a vote, his place should be automatic,” Udeze said.
The omission of the Super Eagles defender has raised questions about the selection process for the African XI, with many fans echoing Udeze’s sentiments and calling for greater transparency in the criteria used for such awards.
Troost-Ekong played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive AFCON campaign, showcasing exceptional leadership and defensive prowess, which earned him widespread recognition as one of the tournament’s standout players.
