William Troost Ekong declares readiness for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria

Ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles assistant captain, William Troost Ekong has declared his readiness to give his best for the country.

The PAOK Salonika defender has been absent from the team in the last two international breaks during which World Cup qualifiers took place.

The 30-year-old last played for Nigeria in September for the game against Sao Tome and Principe.

However, the former Watford star has made 64 appearances for Nigeria and has played at the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, since his debut in 2015.

Although, it is yet to be seen if he will be called up for the tournament slated for Cote d’Ivoire from January to February 2024 as Jose Peseiro’s preferred center-backs Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.

“You know we had spoken about this with PAOK when I joined them because, at that time, I was the captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria,” he told Omasports TV.

“And I said yes, we worked very hard as a team to qualify for the AFCON, and of course, it is my dream to go there and win the trophy, so my club is aware of the situation.

“Of course now in the last few months, I have had the situation where I have had to rethink everything, really and it will be a big sacrifice, especially how everything is going here at the club.

“So, I would love to do that again. But you have to feel the appreciation, of course, and get the invite, so we will see about that, but I will just keep working hard on my club.

“I will just continue to give my best performances and then we will see what happens.”