Why Ekong's Retirement Was Imminent, Why It Didn't Come as a Surprise

The writing was always on the wall.

Unless Chelle plays 3 at the back, which he has thus far resisted to do, Ekong had no place in the starting 11.

I love the Super Eagles, I don’t know what I would do with myself without the team. Hence I respect all players who heed the call to represent thier fatherland, whether they are my favourites or not.

Ekong is a leader and a most likable player to have around. Honestly, I would have preferred he stayed around the team for 2 more years as an influence in the dressing room and from the beach as we slowly ease in the future generation of centre backs who can all learn a thing or two from him about how to conduct oneself.

But therein lies the Problem!

I don’t think Ekong was comfortable as a bit part player. Perhaps losing his place to a rookie like Fredrick might have been too bitter a pill to swallow.

Also, there is unconfirmed rumour that he has burnt bridges with some powerful people in the NFF due to his alleged role in the team's refusal to train ahead of the world cup qualifier play-offs.

Honestly I won’t miss those mishaps! Chai they were just too many, each more painful than the other. Is it that own goal against Algeria in the 2019 Afcon semi-final or that goal we conceded against Central Africa Republic at home? Don’t even get me started about his part in some of the points we dropped in this world cup qualifiers.

But I will miss Ekong’s leadership, his delightful long balls from defence, the beautiful goals he scores from set pieces, the assurance in converting penalties and his all round pleasant persona.

Ekong will be missed.

What he was good at, he was excellent at! And I fear we will never find a more affable centre back like Ekong again.

I pray he enjoys his retirement!