William Troost Ekong looks forward to Nigeria friendly clash with Portugal

Assistant captain of Nigeria, William Troost Ekong is talking ahead of Thursday’s international friendly match between Super Eagles and Portugal.

The Watford defender says he is looking forward to this game as well as his teammates.

“It’s a very good opportunity to play against a very strong team and one of the best teams in the world. As far as the team is concerned, we always try to improve our game,” Ekong told NFF TV during a pre-match press briefing.

“Playing against one of the best teams in the world will give us the opportunity to see where we are and make it stronger in preparation for our next set of games in March.

“It’s always a good opportunity to be together for some days and work on the team cohesion.”

Nigeria faces Portugal tonight in Lisbon at 7:45 pm Nigerian time and the Portugese would be without its captain, Cristiano Ronaldo for the game.

Both countries’ A squads go for each other’s jugular at the 50,000 -capacity Estádio José Alvalade in what is the first senior international clash between them.

Peseiro has 23 players to pick from in what is perhaps his biggest test since resuming as Nigeria’s manager in the summer.

Portugal is using the game to prepare for a clash with the Black Stars of Ghana at Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup this month. Nigeria didn’t qualify for the tournament for the second time in eight attempts.