Tremendous Eagles star William Troost-Ekong has shared some precious classes from his journey to changing into one among Nigeria’s key gamers, together with the challenges that formed his rise to captain. The 31-year-old centre-back, who performs for Al Kholood, has earned admiration for his management each on and off the pitch.
Troost-Ekong lately posted throwback photos on his Snapchat, reflecting on his early days with the Tremendous Eagles. Among the many images was one from his twenty second birthday, when senior gamers threw him into the swimming pool as a part of the custom for youthful gamers.
In a candid submit, Troost-Ekong wrote, “They threw me within the swimming pool. I mentioned something???…No. Occasions have been totally different. As a younger boy, you accepted and earned your stripes. Work exhausting. Your probability. #EarnedNotGiven.” This second was a key a part of his journey, instructing him humility and perseverance.
Though Troost-Ekong represented the Netherlands at youth stage, he selected to play for Nigeria and made his senior debut in 2015. Since then, he has turn into a revered determine, main Nigeria to a third-place end on the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and profitable the Participant of the Match award within the 2023 version. He additionally holds the document for probably the most targets scored by a defender in AFCON historical past, with 5 targets.
Wanting forward, Troost-Ekong is targeted on main Nigeria within the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He has been included in coach Eric Chelle’s 39-man provisional squad and can play a key position within the upcoming matches in opposition to Rwanda and Zimbabwe. With the Tremendous Eagles at the moment in fifth place of their World Cup qualifying group, these fixtures are essential for his or her hopes of securing a spot on the match.
