I would have loved to win AFCON – Troost-Ekong

File copy: Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong

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William Troost-Ekong opens up about his decision to retire from international football, missing the World Cup, his vision for the future of Nigerian football and more in this interview with UK publication The Standard picked by PETER AKINBO

You’ve said your Nigeria journey was beyond even what you could have written. Can you explain what you mean by that?

I would dream big, bigger than other people believed in me or thought was possible. But to go in this direction with Nigeria, and be part of everything I have, I would not have been able to write it down. I’ve managed to live beyond my wildest dreams.

What was going through your mind after the match against DR Congo, knowing it could be your last game for Nigeria?

You always want things to end perfectly. It’s hard when you are watching the last minutes of the game. It felt like a blur. I remember sitting there and absorbing those last minutes, because you know that could be it. To have that in a penalty shootout, my heart was pounding like crazy. It was heartbreaking, but at the same time, I felt really proud in that moment of everything we had achieved. To be there, as captain, was something I could not have dreamt of as a young kid.

How long had you been thinking about retirement, and what ultimately made you decide now was the right time?

It was a decision I had been grappling with for a while. I had sleepless nights thinking about it, and teammates even tried to talk me out of it. But I think there is a natural progression, and there is an art in knowing when to step away. Now is the moment for the next generation to claim that. The team is ready because we’ve got great leaders.

What were those dreams you had to let go of?

Selfishly, I would have loved to lift the Africa Cup of Nations and play at one more World Cup. But the thing that has given me the most joy now is I get messages from young boys saying they want to play for the Super Eagles. They say they look up to me. Those are things you don’t start playing football for, but once they happen, they give you a real sense of pride.

Nigeria has become home to many players from the diaspora. What do you think that means?

There has never been a lack of talent. Ademola Lookman went on to be African Player of the Year; that is something. There are boys coming from London, Berlin, Amsterdam and all over Europe. They’re coming home to represent Nigeria, and that is only going to strengthen Nigerian football. That is something that can be built on, and it needs to be explored.

What are some of the areas you think need improvement within the Nigeria Football Federation?

There is no shortage of talent, but things in the organisation can and need to be better. The talent needs to be discovered and nurtured. I’d love to help improve that moving forward. I think especially the players who have been in elite environments have a responsibility to show what needs to be done.

How will you experience the coming Africa Cup of Nations as a fan?

I will be just as passionate, but probably a lot more nervous. Because when you are not playing, you can’t affect anything. It’s going to be really strange. I’m probably going to be screaming at my TV! But I’ll be proud seeing the players out there, and I really hope they win it. That would be a nice moment to crown our generation. I’d still feel part of that.

What does wearing that Super Eagles shirt mean to you?

Nigerian football is so close to my heart. It will always be a part of me.

Courtesy: The STANDARD

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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