Ekong: I will like to play and win 2023 AFCON title, if invited’
Super Eagles of Nigeria and PAOK defender, William Troost-Ekong says he will like to play and win the AFCON title, if he gets invitation from Coach Jose Peseiro.
Recall that Ekong has not been invited for the Nigeria national team’s last two international breaks engagements.
Also, as earlier reported by SportsRation, the defender who used to be a regular name in the Super Eagles roster is currently not in the good books of Coach Jose Pesiero and so is a doubt for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Ekong has during this period featured regularly for Greek club, PAOK but is ready to make the sacrifice of leaving his club to represent the National team at the AFCON which will kickoff in January 2024.
The 30-year old who has 64-caps for Nigeria since his debut in 2015 told OMA SPORT that he worked hard with the team to earn qualification and so will be happy to play and possibly lift the title in Ivory Coast.
” We spoke about it [Playing at the AFCON] when I arrived at PAOK. At the time I was captaining Nigeria, I said we worked very hard as a team to qualify for the AFCON, and it’s my dream to go there and win it,” Troost-Ekong said.
“The last months, I’ve had to rethink everything and going to the AFCON will be a big sacrifice, especially with how things are going at my club.
“So, yeah, I’d like to do it again. But you have to feel the appreciation and get the invite.
” So we’ll see about it. I’ll keep working hard at my club, give my best performances, and see what happens, ” the defender said highlighting the uncertainty per his place in the Super Eagles team.
Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey are Peseiro’s preffered center-back options but the partnership coupled with poor goalkeeping has seen the Eagles leak goals in four straight outings.
