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William Troost Ekong opens up on retirement intention ahead of AFCON 2023

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William Troost Ekong opens up on retirement intention ahead of AFCON 2023

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria defender William Troost Ekong says he was planning to retire from the national team ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Saudi Arabia-based player who captained the Super Eagles to a silver medal at the tournament fell out of favor with former coach Jose Peseiro.

He asserted the reasons for the retirement plan and change of decision before the last AFCON.

“This time last year November, I was preparing my statement for retirement because I fell out with coach Jose Peseiro and we had our differences,” Ekong said.

“Thankfully some of my close circles convinced me not to make the decision based on that emotion.

“I continued and started the year with the AFCON with little expectations as I was happy to be there and said to myself that it might be my last tournament, but it was amazing for me and the team to go all the way to the final.”

It turned out to be the best decision for Ekong as he helped the three-time African champions to the final of the last AFCON.

He also made the tea of the tournament and won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

The former Watford player has had a rewarding 2024 so far.

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Oluwaseun Oyediji
Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.
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