'Horrible pass' - 1994 AFCON winner blasts Watford's Ekong after error led to Maupay's goal

1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning striker with the Super Eagles Efan Ekoku blasted Nigeria assistant captain William Troost-Ekong after his mistake led to Brighton & Hove's second goal in a 2-0 win over the Hornets in a Premier League clash at the American Express Community Stadium.

Given how well they played against Aston Villa last weekend, Watford were flat today, allowing the better organised Seagulls to control the game.

Shane Duffy's headed goal got Brighton off the mark in the tenth minute before Neal Maupay capitalised on a defensive error to double their lead.

Four minutes before half-time, Troost-Ekong was attempting to play out from the back and failed to spot Yves Bissouma, who pinched the ball from Tom Cleverley before passing to Maupay, whose emphatic finish from close range beat goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann.

Speaking during commentary of the game broadcast by SuperSport, Ekoku stated : "Just can't do this against players of the quality of Yves Bissouma. Talked about timing of the challenges.

"Look at the speed in which he recovered the ball away from Tom Cleverley

"Horrible pass from Troost-Ekong and that's a smart finish from Neal Maupay, gives the goalkeeper the eyes.

"It's not an easy finish, most of the credit has got to go to Bissouma."

All the three Super Eagles that started against Brighton - Troost-Ekong, Oghenekaro Etebo and Emmanuel Dennis - went the distance.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : watfordfc.com