Former Netherlands internationals Ronald de Boer and Wesley Sneijder have voiced their frustration with former Liverpool star Jordan Henderson, slamming him for refusing to face the media amid reports suggesting he wants to leave Ajax.

Both ex-footballers believe Henderson’s refusal to wear the armband and speak to the press is causing more unrest within the club.

Sneijder, speaking to the press after Ajax’s 2-1 victory over Galatasaray in the UEFA Europa League, called out the English midfielder, stating he was “not man enough” to address the media.

“Don’t be so difficult, man. You play the match, you have the armband on and after the match, you say: ‘Yeah, guys, I don’t know yet. Something is going on. We’ll see.’ Be a man and stand your ground. Right now you get speculation and you create a lot of unrest,” Sneijder said.

De Boer also criticized Henderson, saying, “This is complete nonsense. Henderson wanted to focus on the match, but he did not have to appear in front of the camera before the match. I understand that Pasveer has to do this, but it is simply nonsense. Henderson simply has other things on his mind and apparently does not want to respond to it.”

Recent reports suggest that Henderson is pushing for a move away from Ajax this month, even threatening to go on strike.

Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, has emphasized the importance of a strong start for the team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Yobo, who led Nigeria to AFCON glory in 2013, believes that a good beginning will be key to the team’s success in the competition.

The three-time African champions have been placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

“A good start is very important. The first two games are very important. It is very, very crucial,” Yobo told ESPN.

The Super Eagles will kick off their campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Fez on Tuesday, December 23, before facing Tunisia in their second group match four days later. They will conclude their group stage against Uganda on Tuesday, December 30.

Ajax forward Chuba Akpom has reiterated his commitment to representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The 29-year-old, born in London to Nigerian parents, previously played for England at youth level but switched international allegiance to Nigeria in 2019. Despite making himself available for selection, he has yet to receive an invitation to join the three-time African champions.

“I try to give 100%. I’ve been waiting since 2019. I’ve switched allegiances a long time ago, but if it happens, it happens. I’ll just keep working hard,” Akpom told Oma Sports.

Explaining his decision to represent Nigeria, the former Arsenal academy star noted that it’s not about players choosing Nigeria as a second option.

“It’s not that the players are switching over because they can’t play for England. It’s just that they’ve not had the opportunity to play for Nigeria from a young age. They play in England and they play for England from youth levels all the way up,” Akpom added.

The Ajax striker continues to hope for a chance to contribute to the success of the Super Eagles.