Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has reacted to William Troost-Ekong’s sudden retirement from the Tremendous Eagles, describing the defender’s exit as an emotional second for the crew forward of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
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Troost-Ekong, who was named in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad for the match, confirmed his retirement simply weeks earlier than the competitors kicks off.
The 32-year-old former Tremendous Eagles captain made 83 appearances for Nigeria earlier than drawing the curtain on his worldwide profession.
Chatting with SportyTV’s Kelechi, Iwobi expressed unhappiness over the event, noting that Troost-Ekong’s affect prolonged past his on-field contributions.
“Clearly, it’s a unhappy one for us as a result of he’s an enormous a part of our crew. However on the finish of the day, I want him effectively. He’s a brother. He has helped Nigeria and he has helped me,” Iwobi stated.
The midfielder added that Troost-Ekong’s subsequent chapter is one the whole crew hopes shall be profitable: “I simply hope that the following chapter he has in life goes effectively for him, and we’ll all assist him.”
Whereas addressing whether or not the previous captain’s exit would go away a significant vacuum, Iwobi acknowledged that Troost-Ekong noticed lowered taking part in time towards the tip of his worldwide profession, however careworn that his management remained invaluable.
“In fact, in the direction of the tip of his Nigerian profession he wasn’t taking part in as a lot as in all probability he would really like, however he was nonetheless an enormous a part of our crew.
His voice, the way in which he was main us, and the way in which he made certain the togetherness within the crew was very excessive and really robust,” he said.
Iwobi additional described Troost-Ekong as an exemplary chief whose absence shall be felt within the dressing room.
“He shall be very missed. He was an enormous chief for us. I’m certain we’ve got different leaders that may observe in his footsteps, however all of us want him effectively,” he added.
As one of many senior gamers within the present squad, Iwobi additionally spoke about embracing higher management duties as Nigeria prepares for AFCON.
“God prepared I keep match. I shall be there representing within the AFCON and we shall be high quality for Nigeria and Will as effectively. He shall be there in spirit,” he assured.
Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The Tremendous Eagles open their marketing campaign on December 23 in opposition to Tanzania, face Tunisia on December 27, and conclude the group stage in opposition to Uganda on December 30.
