Nigeria defender William Troost-Ekong has named two Super Eagles players behind his decision not to quit playing for the national team.
Troost-Ekong, who won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Player of the Tournament, said he received advice from fellow Super Eagles teammates Alex Iwobi and Leon Balogun, encouraging him not to retire from international football prior to the tournament in Ivory Coast.
The 30-year-old was a surprise inclusion in the Super Eagles final squad to the tournament considering the fact that he had not played for the national team for over a year.
Speaking recently with CNN World Sport’s Amanda Davies, the PAOK star said his discussions with Iwobi and Balogun prompted him to reflect on his early days with the Super Eagles and the pride he felt when he made his debut under the late Stephen Keshi.
“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.
“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.”
