Close watchers of the Super Eagles have suggested that captain William Ekong could again be dropped to the bench for tomorrow’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin in Uyo.
Coach Eric Chelle made a big call when he axed the experienced central defender and picked youngster Benjamin Fredrick in his place in last month’s qualifier against Rwanda, which the Super Eagles won 1-0 to keep alive their World Cup dreams alive.
Ekong has since been reinstated to the starting XI.
He started against South Africa in Bloemfontein, where he scored an own goal in a 1-1 draw last month.
He also started against Lesotho Friday and scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win by the Super Eagles.
However, he was slow and ponderous in the heart of the back four.
There are strong indications that Fredrick will play alongside Calvin Bassey in central defence tomorrow as was the case against Rwanda last month also in Uyo.
