Troost-Ekong discusses return to Super Eagles, NPFL players, possibility of playing in local league

 William Troost-Ekong has expressed his delight to be back in the Super Eagles squad for their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sierra Leone. 

The Watford-owned centre-back said the team have put the pain of missing out on the World Cup behind them and are now looking forward to achieving qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in order to redeem themselves.

Troost-Ekong missed the last qualifying games  against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau due to injury.

 The 29-year-old is one of the most experienced players called up by head coach, Jose Peseiro and  will be hoping he reclaims his place in the starting XI in the game against Sierra Leone.

The Super Eagles will be facing the Leone Stars on Sunday, June 18 and a draw will guarantee their participation at the Africa Cup of Nations which will take place in the Ivory Coast next year.

" It has been amazing, I missed out in March because of injury. I want to support the team and play my part, I have always wanted to come back," Ekong told reporters at the end of training on Monday.

"For this qualification, everyone is motivated to get the ticket. Missing out on the World Cup is a painful memory but now we are looking ahead and I think we have put ourselves in a good position to qualify for the AFCON and redeem ourselves there.

While asked about the importance of inviting home-based players to the squad, Troost-Ekong said:

" I think it is important and I think it was great to see the final (playoffs) of the Nigerian Premier League yesterday and great to see some players who are in the final included. 

"I think it was something I said from the start that it would be great to see the Nigerian Premier League grow, we have so much talent in this country and it would be great for players to start their career here and not leaving for abroad straight away.

" For the players included, it is for them to push and show the coach what they can do and also for us to try and help them and maybe give them some experience as well as the blend of foreign and local professionals will be good for Nigeria"

 The 29-year-old was also asked about the possibility of featuring in the Nigerian Professional Football League when his career is career to an end, he responded and said:

"Who knows? Never say never and it would be a pleasure. Of course, we had our captain Musa do it who came back and it was a boost for the league here and who knows maybe in the future more  of us will come back to Nigeria. 

"For me, it will have to be Uyo, I will make sure I go home, we will see"

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com