AFCON 2023: William Troost-Ekong optimistic on making Nigeria squad list

Nigeria men’s national team assistant captain, William Troost-Ekong, has expressed his determination to help the Super Eagles “Do It Again” at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The former Watford defender has been absent from the team in the last two international breaks during which World Cup qualifiers took place and the 30-year-old is resolute in his ambition to claim the championship.

The PAOK Salonika defender last played for Nigeria in September against Sao Tome and Principe and has made 64 appearances for Nigeria, including featuring at the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, since his debut in 2015.

Ahead of the continent’s showpiece slated for Cote d’Ivoire from January to February 2024, the defender eagerly awaits the squad list and emphasizes AFCON as one of the to-win career trophies.

“Yeah, I’m one hundred percent behind this slogan, you know I’ve been in the team since 2015 and I’ve played with the players who were part of the team that won it,” he told Soccernet.

“Over the years I’ve become one of the older players, and I want to leave my legacy as well, and I want to win the title.

“Having the bronze medal from the Olympics and AFCON is great, and something special for me, but I want to win it.

“It’s been a great pleasure to captain the team so many times, so to be part of the team that won the AFCON is on my list and one of my dreams as a kid, and I will keep fighting for it.

“And as you said, we have the talent, so why not, let’s do it again” he added.