)
William Troost-Ekong opens up about a period of strained relationship with Jose Peseiro.
In a candid revelation, Super Eagles stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong has disclosed the tumultuous episode that nearly derailed his AFCON 2023 aspirations, citing a rift with coach Jose Peseiro as the root cause.
Tension Between Troost-Ekong and Peseiro
Amidst preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, cracks in the relationship between Troost-Ekong and Peseiro surfaced following the defender's omission from Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.
)
13:00 - 28.02.2024
We started together — Troost Ekong speaks on time at Tottenham with Harry Kane
Super Eagles captain Troost Ekong was full of praise for his former teammate Harry Kane.
)
18:40 - 27.02.2024
I know Osimhen's next club — Troost Ekong says Super Eagles teammate has decided
Inside scoop: Troost-Ekong knows where Osimhen will land next season, Chelsea and Arsenal on alert.
Troost-Ekong's absence from the squad stemmed from what he has now revealed to be a disagreement with Peseiro, casting doubt on his future with the national team.
Troost-Ekong Contemplates Departure
Reflecting on the strained period, Troost-Ekong confessed to considering walking away from the Super Eagles, admitting, “[It] resulted in us not actually speaking for a few months,” the defender told CNN World Sport’s Amanda Davies.
“That was the time where my pride and ego, I think maybe got the better of me. I thought about stopping,” he added. “Thankfully, I’ve got a good group of people around me who took me out of it.”
)
“[It] made me think about my younger self and, how much it meant and how proud I was to play my first game [for Nigeria].
“I deserved to give my younger self a better ending. So that was the thing that changed my mind … I think my career has always been a testament of not giving up.”
Resurgence and Redemption at AFCON
Undeterred by the earlier setback, Troost-Ekong made a triumphant return to the Super Eagles fold for the AFCON tournament, a decision that proved pivotal for both himself and the team.
)
The former Udinese man delivered stellar performances throughout the competition, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria's journey to the final and securing a silver medal.
Troost-Ekong's standout displays earned him the distinction of being named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, a remarkable achievement for a defender.
Related content
)
16:49 - 04.03.2024
Could Peseiro make a sensational return to the Super Eagles?
NFF reportedly plans to retain Jose Peseiro as Super Eagles head coach with enhanced contract offer.
)
12:32 - 04.03.2024
Fans Slam Osimhen for ‘Terrible’ Penalty against Juventus
Fans have called for Victor Osimhen to be taken off penalty duties for Napoli after the Super Eagles star's latest miss
)
07:34 - 04.03.2024
Naija Stars Abroad: Ejuke edges Ighalo, Aribo and Lookman to emerge Nigeria's Player of the Week
Naija Stars Abroad is a weekly dive into Nigerian players and their football exploits across the world of football.
)
18:47 - 03.03.2024
Bright Super Eagles defender nets third goal of the season in Europe
The Super Eagles defender helped his Turkish giants Fenerbahce to bounce back to winning ways swiftly.
)
14:51 - 03.03.2024
Super Eagles AFCON hero Moffi on target for Eaglets but Toulouse refuse to lose
Nigeria Super Eagles Terem Moffi returned amongst the goals, but it was not enough to stop Toulouse in Ligue 1.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)