Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong said he is impressed with the solid defending of the Nigerian team at the 2024 African Cup of Nations as they prepare to face Guinea Bissau in their last group A game on Monday.
The Super Eagles defence was excellent in their last game against host Cote d’ Ivoire and according to the Troost-Ekong who is making his third AFCON appearance, he was not surprised by the quality displayed by the likes of Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi and Kenneth Omeruo.
“I was not surprised, I know what the defenders can do as well and I believe so much in this group.
“I think we have maybe been underrated a little bit defensively.
“It is still early, but my belief in the team has stayed the same,” said Troost-Ekong.
“If I look at the players we have now, I think it might be the best team I have played for in Nigeria.
“That is with all due respect to some of the legends that have been there.”
He said that late Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi made him join the Super Eagles after representing his motherland Netherlands in the youth category.
“I watched a lot of football with my dad. He was always watching the Super Eagles, but growing up in Holland, I also dreamed about playing for the Dutch national team.
“But when I got the phone call from Stephen Keshi at the time, who was a player and a legend who I watched growing up as a kid, especially as a central defender, I was kind of taken aback – and for him to ask me to play for Nigeria, I didn’t have to think twice.
“I think I said yes before I even had to think about anything or ask anyone because it just felt right, and I haven’t looked back since.”
