Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has once again criticised Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong.
The Englishman described the Nigerian as ‘insecure’, following the defender’s response to Deeney’s earlier remarks on his leadership style.
Deeney, a former Watford captain, had recently taken aim at the Super Eagles skipper after Nigerian players went on strike ahead of their 4-1 victory over Gabon. The strike aimed to compel the Nigeria Football Federation to pay the players’ bonuses.
In response to the criticism, Troost-Ekong asked the former Premier League star to return the Nigerian shirt he had given him during their time together at Watford. He accused Deeney of disrespect by speaking to the press rather than contacting him directly.
Deeney has insisted that Troost-Ekong is overreacting and said he owes no apology for his comments.
“What did I say that’s not respectful? I said exactly what he is, he is a good kid,” he told talkSPORT. “He gave me a shirt, yes, I collect shirts.”
He stood by his original critique, asserting that Troost-Ekong is too gentle to serve as a national team captain.
“You know what is happening when someone tells the truth, it hurts,” he added.
“So, if I offend you Will, deal with it. Will, I do know you, if I was remotely disrespectful, I will do it the right way.”
Deeney, who never earned a cap for the England national team despite his exploits with Watford, suggested that Troost-Ekong’s remarks reveal insecurity, referring to the defender’s frequent mention of his caps with Nigeria.
He added: “You are not really that secure yourself. Chill, Nigeria won, don’t talk about us, let us do the media stuff and you do your podcast.”
