Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong Reveals Why He Ditched the Netherlands for Nigeria
As a child born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father, William Troost-Ekong’s international football journey had two potential paths. Yet, despite playing for Dutch youth teams, he never envisioned a clear route to breaking into the senior national side.
In his early 20s, Troost-Ekong received a phone call from the late Stephen Keshi, the renowned coach of the Super Eagles, which marked a pivotal moment in his career.
The timing was opportune. Fresh from a standout season in the Eredivisie, Troost-Ekong had to decide which country’s national team he would represent. Though he had experience with the Dutch youth squads, he soon realized that senior team chances were limited.
This realization prompted a change of heart, leading Troost-Ekong to join the Nigerian national team. In an exclusive interview with The Sports Afterparty Podcast, he revealed the significance of Keshi’s call, stating:
“That call from Stephen Keshi was incredibly inspiring. As I was just starting my breakthrough season, he took an interest in me. It was a crucial point in my career, and I seized the chance to join a team on the cusp of transformation. The Super Eagles were going through changes, and they needed fresh talent to fortify their defense. Choosing Nigeria offered me an unprecedented opportunity to make an immediate impact in international football.”
With this vision in mind, Troost-Ekong weighed his options, considering the club level as well as international prospects. He recognized that joining the Super Eagles would not only provide him with a platform to grow but also increase his chances at the club level.
Since his international debut for Nigeria in 2015, the 31-year-old defender has accumulated 71 caps and scored seven goals. His choice to play for Nigeria has been a fruitful one, both for him and the national team.
