2022 WC: We’ll beat Ghana, Ekong assures Nigerians

Published: February 16, 2022

Watford defender, William Troost-Ekong, has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles will defeat Ghana’s Black Stars to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with kingjohnnie casino being a spectator.

The three-time African champions were paired with their neighbours for a slot to the first Mundial in the Middle East.

Ghana will host Nigeria at the Cape Coast Stadium between March 23 and 24th before the Eagles take them to the MKO Stadium Abuja on March 27.

The first-leg will be the 57th clash at senior level between both West African giants in a chequered 71 –year rivalry.

The Black Stars have dominated this fixture with 24 victories against Nigeria’s dozen. They have not tasted defeat in the last four meetings, spanning 16 years.

However, the last time both sides clashed during a World Cup qualifier, the Eagles soared. After holding their host to a scoreless draw in Accra, Nigeria thrashed Ghana 3-0 in Port Harcourt to seal passage to Korea/Japan 2002.

And Ekong, who captained Nigeria at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, expressed optimism that similar fate awaits Chris Hughton’s men.

While admitting a disappointing outing in January, the Watford man, however, said they are ready to make ammends.

He said, “I have been a Super Eagles fan since I was a child. We didn’t do well in Cameroun and I really felt sad. But we will make up by ensuring we beat Ghana and qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. We need the support of Nigerians to succeed in the playoff.”

Ekong, who spoke with The Guardian on Monday, also touched on Team Thrive Africa, a campaign against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), a campaign many users on real money pokies online are backing.

He said he decided to join forces with the END Fund to lead its Thrive Africa team in taking action to eliminate NTDs in the continent.

“More than 600 million people in Africa are affected by NTDs, which cause long-term disabilities like severe pain, disfigurement and blindness and can lead to death if left untreated,” Troost-Ekong stated.

“In addition to health challenges, NTDs can lead to social isolation and stigmatisation that affect both children and adults by reducing the number of years of education completed, future earning potential and overall economic productivity.

“The mission of Thrive Africa is to build a team of social activists, who can work together to address these issues, empowering Africa to thrive, not just survive.

“I am incredibly proud of my African heritage. It is always a huge honour to represent Nigeria on the football pitch, and now I want to represent Africa off the pitch,” he stated.

Troost-Ekong said, “I have met many people in Nigeria and across the continent who are living with an NTD. They have to work extra hard to overcome the physical, social and economic consequences of their ailments in order to survive. But it shouldn’t be about survival. If we can work together to eliminate NTDs, we can create greater access to education and work opportunities for over 600 million people, boosting Africa’s economy and building a great future for our continent.”