The criticism of the Nigerian football selection on social media was razor-sharp in March 2022. The country failed to qualify for the final round of the World Cup in Qatar. According to former FC Groningen player William Troost-Ekong, Nigerians are now in a much better position.
“We take responsibility as a group,” William Troost-Ekong said in a message on Facebook after missing out on the World Cup in Qatar. The former FC Groningen player apologized to the fans and promised that Nigeria would come back better and stronger.
They turned out not to be empty words. Troost-Ekong, born in Haarlem and the son of a Nigerian father and Dutch mother, led the country in Ivory Coast to the quarter-finals of the African Cup as captain. Angola is the opponent on Friday. The most important goal in the group stage came from his foot. Against the host country he shot a penalty in the style of Johan Neeskens against the ropes. It resulted in a precious 1-0 win.
Penalty
Penalties are normally Victor Osimhen’s domain. The striker had missed one for Napoli this season. He was not bothered by the criticism on social media. “He asked me if I wanted to take that penalty,” Troost-Ekong said. “I like these kinds of moments in big matches. Busy is for people who have to make sure they get a meal on the table every day, but not for us. As football players we train for it.”
With such statements, Troost-Ekong, once an uncertain defender at FC Groningen and FC Dordrecht, underlines the enormous development he has undergone. He played for Watford in the Premier League. This already fulfilled a dream. Now he is chasing success with the Super Eagles .
‘There are no superstars
The Nigerian Football Association wanted to say goodbye to national coach José Peseiro in November last year. There appeared to be no liquid assets to pay a lump sum. “We should not worry about the criticism of Peseiro. He also wants to win the African Cup of Nations. We are a close team. There is so much talent in this selection. It is a good mix of experienced and young players. There are no superstars,” says Troost-Ekong, who is hunting for a fourth African title with Nigeria.
Within the lines, Troost-Ekong stands out for his winning mentality. But he has also become a huge personality off the field. Especially since the birth of his son Oscar, he has been aware that he has enormous responsibilities. This became apparent last season when he transferred from Watford to Italian side Salernitana. He donated an amount to an Italian olive farmer to compensate him for having to take a polluting plane for his transfer. “I feel responsible for the next generation,” says Troost-Ekong.
Recycled football boots’
The footballer, who currently earns his living at the Greek PAOK Saloniki, expresses that feeling in many ways. For example, he plays on recycled football boots to prove that things can be done more sustainably. He wants the next generation to be able to enjoy clean air and clean water. Troost-Ekong also supports the Common Goal, an initiative by Spanish footballer Juan Mata. The organization tries to use the power of football for a better world.
As a footballer he finds inspiration in his parents. His father sent him to a boarding school in England when he was 12 to prepare for university studies. He refused to sign a contract that would give Troost-Ekong access to Tottenham Hotspur’s training. His mother did so on the last day. He is grateful to his mother and can understand his father better now that he is a father himself. At the beginning of his football career he had to overcome numerous setbacks. After the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he made peace with his father.
Troost-Ekong says he always believed in himself. “I am grateful that I can now play major tournaments. I went through the toughest period after I left England. But I continued to put my shoulders to the wheel.” The festering conflicts, terrorist attacks and kidnappings in Nigeria provided an extra incentive. Troost-Ekong realizes that Nigerians are yearning for something to make them happy.
Bloody attack
That is no different during this edition of the Africa Cup. Just before the tournament, 160 people were killed in a bloody attack in Plateau state. The Super Eagle s provide some distraction with their performance, although not everyone is satisfied with the performance shown. President Bola Tinubu congratulated the selection on the victories, but was not impressed with the football. Ahmed Musa, the real captain with a past at VVV-Venlo, invited him to Ivory Coast to help the country win the African Cup. “I promise we will take the Cup to Nigeria,” he said.
Troost-Ekong shows itself to be a lot more cautious. “There are no easy matches anymore,” says the defender. “In fact, there have been no easy matches yet. It’s only getting harder now. Because whoever reaches the quarter-finals thinks he can win the tournament with his country.”
Recipe to success
The Nigerian Dutchman holds up the mirror of Equatorial Guinea. “That was the best country in the group stage, but was still eliminated by Guinea. That’s how football is. We must be alert and handle the opportunities we create carefully,” is the recipe for success for Troost-Ekong.