William Troost Ekong, the Super Eagles central defender, recently shared insights into his decision to represent Nigeria internationally instead of the Netherlands, where he was born. Initially playing for Dutch youth teams, Troost Ekong's career path shifted after a motivating phone call from the late Nigerian football icon Stephen Keshi. The call convinced him that choosing Nigeria was the right path, offering both a national role and an invaluable sense of belonging.

Troost Ekong, who has since been pivotal in multiple AFCON tournaments and the 2018 World Cup, explained that his choice differed from players like Victor Moses or Alex Iwobi, who had already established themselves in England. For him, Nigeria provided an immediate, tangible opportunity to compete internationally, which wasn’t yet available with the Netherlands. Over time, representing Nigeria has become a defining part of his career, as he deeply values the passion Nigerian fans hold for football. This pride has fuelled some of his greatest career moments, he noted, emphasizing that there’s no feeling like it.

With 74 caps and seven goals for Nigeria, Troost Ekong remains a significant contributor to the Super Eagles’ ambitions, eagerly awaiting the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Benin.

Editorial

William Troost Ekong’s commitment to Nigeria resonates with a spirit of dedication that sets him apart. His choice reflects the pride that so many Nigerian players feel when donning the national colours. Troost Ekong could have pursued a career with the Netherlands, yet his allegiance to the Super Eagles demonstrates how deeply rooted football is within Nigeria's national identity. His journey reflects a broader story one that sees Nigeria’s diverse talent pool becoming a defining force in global football, united by a shared sense of belonging and respect for the green and white.

As a national team, Nigeria draws strength from players like Troost Ekong, whose choices are grounded in loyalty and respect for the unique spirit of Nigerian football. Such dedication is essential as the Super Eagles gear up for challenging competitions like AFCON, bringing Nigerian fans closer to the global spotlight with each victory. This shared passion not only fuels individual players but also strengthens the collective resolve of the Super Eagles to soar higher on the international stage.

This sentiment captures what it means to represent Nigeria players who, regardless of where they were born, take immense pride in wearing the jersey. With individuals like Troost-Ekong on the pitch, we see a new era in Nigerian football, one driven by heart, unity, and an unbreakable connection to home.

Did You Know?

1. William Troost Ekong trained in the Tottenham Hotspur academy before going professional.


2. He debuted for Nigeria in a 2015 AFCON qualifying match against Chad.


3. Nigerian players from the diaspora often return to represent the country, strengthening the Super Eagles.


4. Stephen Keshi, who inspired Troost Ekong, was one of the first African players to play professionally in Europe.


5. The Super Eagles have qualified for six World Cup tournaments, with players like Troost Ekong contributing to their successes.