William Troost-Ekong Bows Out In Emotional Goodbye

Super Eagles fans woke up to unexpected news as captain William Troost-Ekong officially announced his retirement from international football. Despite being listed in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025, the 2023 AFCON MVP revealed via a heartfelt video on X (formerly Twitter) that his journey with Nigeria had reached its final chapter.

The announcement came with a touching message:
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”

With 83 caps in 10 years, Ekong leaves behind a legacy of leadership, consistency, and unmatched patriotism. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final and became one of the most respected voices in the national team.

Why Now? A Transition Already In Motion

In recent months, Troost-Ekong’s role had gradually shifted. The impressive rise of 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick pushed him out of the starting XI, reducing the captain to a bench role. One of the most emotional revelations was his admission that he was supposed to take a penalty in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier shootout against DR Congo—but being benched meant he couldn’t step up.

Still, Ekong showed class:
“I wasn’t frustrated; I just wanted to win this game… My role is to support the team as much as possible, both on and off the pitch.”

He had also hinted earlier this year that AFCON 2025 might be his final tournament, showing that this transition wasn’t entirely sudden—it was coming.

Ndidi Tipped To Take The Captain’s Armband

The big question now is: who leads the Super Eagles?
Former coach Sunday Oliseh believes the answer is simple—Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi has captained the team in recent matches and commands full respect in the squad. According to Oliseh:
“Nobody doubts the respect the players have for Ndidi. And he’s a player that plays every game.”

With AFCON 2025 approaching quickly, stability is crucial—and Ndidi might be the perfect bridge into Nigeria’s next era.

A Legacy Forever Etched In Nigerian Football

Troost-Ekong leaves as a true patriot: admired, respected, and loved. His leadership transcended the pitch—he was the voice of calm, the anchor in tough moments, and the embodiment of commitment.

For the Super Eagles, a new chapter begins.
But for fans, William Troost-Ekong will always remain a Super Eagle—forever.

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Ademola Lookman is reminding Atalanta—and the entire Serie A—why he should never be underestimated again. The Super Eagles forward delivered another decisive performance, scoring in Atalanta’s crucial 2-0 win over Fiorentina to snap an eight-game winless run.

This latest strike marks his second goal in two matches, further proving that the recently dethroned African Player of the Year is hitting top form again under new coach Raffaele Palladino ahead of AFCON 2025.

Match Summary

Fiorentina started brightly, forcing Marco Carnesecchi into a dramatic double save inside the opening five minutes. David De Gea responded moments later with a superb fingertip stop to deny Charles De Ketelaere.

Atalanta eventually broke through late in the first half when Odilon Kossounou’s whipped effort found the net to make it 1-0.

Shortly after the restart, Lookman doubled the lead. A corner routine turned chaotic, but the Nigerian reacted fastest, smashing home the second goal and sealing the contest.

The win moved Atalanta up to 11th, easing relegation concerns, while Fiorentina slipped further into the danger zone under Paolo Vanoli.

Nigerian Fans Demand Respect

Back in Nigeria, social media exploded. Many fans believe Atalanta have not treated Lookman with the respect he deserves—especially after the winger openly expressed frustration during the summer while pushing for a move.

One fan wrote, “Release our boy by January transfer. We don’t care about Atalanta anymore.”
Another added, “Hopefully you idiots won’t disrespect him anymore.”

The criticism kept coming, with some calling the relationship “toxic,” while others demanded a public apology. Transfer chatter resurfaced too, with fans urging Galatasaray to make a move for him.

But Lookman has let his football do the talking. His recent form—including a Champions League goal and an assist against Eintracht Frankfurt—has silenced doubts around Bergamo.

.@Alookman_ is in the game #AtalantaFiorentina #GoAtalantaGo ⚫ pic.twitter.com/V1CD4chkYv

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) November 30, 2025

AFCON 2025 Boost For Nigeria

Coach Palladino has publicly praised Lookman, calling him an “essential asset” for Atalanta’s attack. His pace, finishing, and consistency make him just as vital for Nigeria.

With Eric Chelle preparing his AFCON squad, Lookman’s resurgence—two goals in two games after the summer’s Inter Milan saga—sets him up as one of the Super Eagles’ key weapons heading into the tournament.

Once again, Ademola Lookman is proving exactly who he is: a star who demands respect.

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Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has unexpectedly been pushed into the Rangers conversation again — not by pundits or tabloids this time, but by a man who knows him personally. Kyle Lafferty, his former teammate at Palermo, believes the fiery 47-year-old should one day return to Ibrox and take charge of the club where he made an early mark as a young midfielder.

Gattuso, currently leading the Italian national team, has been in the job since June 2025 and is aiming to guide the Azzurri to the 2026 World Cup through the March play-offs. Meanwhile, Rangers have only just appointed Danny Rohl as manager following the departure of Russell Martin — but that hasn’t stopped future speculation from bubbling.

Lafferty: “He’s A Great Man… I Hope He Leads Rangers One Day”

Lafferty spoke glowingly of Gattuso’s character and leadership qualities, telling Italian outlet I Love Palermo Calcio that the former AC Milan star is the ideal figure to return to Ibrox sometime in the future.

According to Sport Witness, Lafferty said:

“He’s a great professional as well as a great man. Given his past at Glasgow Rangers, I hope to see him lead them one day. I’m convinced the relationship between him and the Scottish club would be excellent.”

Gattuso’s managerial career has been intense and varied, spanning nine club sides — from AC Milan to Napoli — before taking on the Italian national team for the first time.

Gattuso’s Italy Begin Their World Cup Push

Since taking over Italy, Gattuso has won five of his first six games, showing early promise. Yet a 4-1 defeat to Haaland-powered Norway forced Italy into the play-offs, where they will face Northern Ireland in March 2026.

Should he guide the Azzurri back to the World Cup — a stage they haven’t played on since 2014 — his managerial profile will skyrocket even more.

Could A Rangers Reunion Happen?

Gattuso spent only one season at Rangers back in 1997/98, but his aggressive style, passion, and warrior mentality made him a fan favourite. The club has been linked with him in previous years whenever Ibrox experienced managerial instability.

While there is no immediate move on the table, Lafferty’s comments have revived an old dream among some supporters: seeing the former World Cup winner return to Scotland in the dugout.

And in football, especially at Rangers, “one day” can arrive faster than expected.