Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong, opened up about a challenging period with former head coach Jose Peseiro, revealing that their discord almost jeopardized his spot in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Troost-Ekong found himself on the bench during Nigeria’s final AFCON 2023 qualifying match against Sao Tome and Principe in September.
Subsequently, he was completely excluded from the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho and Zimbabwe the following month.
This exclusion extended to the international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
Despite these setbacks, the PAOK defender managed to secure a place in the AFCON 2023 finals squad.
His resilience and determination came to the forefront during the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, where he played a pivotal role, scoring three goals and earning the prestigious Player of the Tournament title.
Reflecting on the strained relationship with Peseiro, Troost-Ekong disclosed to CNN World Sport, “[It] resulted in us not actually speaking for a few months.
That was the time where my pride and ego, I think maybe got the better of me. I thought about stopping.”
Fortunately, with the support of his inner circle, he reconsidered his decision and recognized the significance of giving his younger self a better ending.
Acknowledging the importance of his initial pride, Troost-Ekong emphasized the impact of his career as a testament to resilience and not giving up.
Despite the challenges, he proved instrumental in the success of the Super Eagles at the AFCON 2023, showcasing his commitment to overcoming obstacles and contributing significantly to the team’s achievements.