Super Eagles Coach Rohr, NFF Worried About Troost-Ekong Status In Gent

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is worried about William Troost-Ekong’s lack of playing time at Belgian club Gent ahead of the African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Cameroon respectively.

The former Tottenham Hotspur youth-teamer impressed the coaching staff of Gent upon his return from a loan spell at FK Haugesund, starting all the games during winter preparations, and helped goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic post a shutout in the two games he has started in the First Division A.

The Belgian media and Gent coach sang Troost-Ekong’s praises, but he has been dropped from the team over the last few games, which has led to some concerns within the Super Eagles coaching crew.

Ekong is one of the key prospects in the Super Eagles and is seen as the future of the team along with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Isaac Success and Wilfred Ndidi, hence the NFF are concerned that lack of consistency at such a young age may hamper the player’s development.

Rohr had reportedly advised the central defender to shun Belgium football and opt for a club playing at a higher level in order to improve as a full international.

The Nigeria coach even recommended him to a German Bundesliga club who were keen to sign the player, however, Ekong insisted in staying in Gent.

When allnigeriasoccer.com contacted Troost-Ekong, he refused to comment on the situation, stating : “ I’m training hard, I’m top fit and in great shape, I’m okay. I was contacted by the National team coach about my situation but our discussion is private.”

Troost-Ekong returned to Gent with a growing reputation, having starred for the Dream Team VI at the 2016 Olympic Games and helping them win the bronze medal.

On top of that, he was officially named to the Tippeligaen Team of the Season for 2016.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel