Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong credits his decision to continue playing for the national team to the advice and support he received from his fellow Super Eagles teammates, Alex Iwobi and Leon Balogun. Despite not featuring for the national team for over a year, Troost-Ekong, who was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), revealed that discussions with Iwobi and Balogun encouraged him not to retire from international football prior to the tournament in Ivory Coast.
In a recent interview with CNN World Sport’s Amanda Davies, the PAOK star reflected on his early days with the Super Eagles and the sense of pride he felt when making his debut under the late Stephen Keshi. Troost-Ekong admitted that these conversations prompted him to reconsider his decision and reaffirm his commitment to representing Nigeria on the international stage.
“I spoke with some of the players I have been with [in the national team] for a long time. For example Alex Iwobi, Leon Balogun,” the former Watford star said.
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“They all said that they thought it would be a real shame. They felt I still have a lot to give, which made me think about my younger self [When I first made my debut for the team]. It gives my younger self a better end.”
“So that was what changed my mind really.”
