AFCON 2021: Troost-Ekong reveals reason for positive change in form

The Super Eagles defender has improved on his poor performances before the AFCON, and he is currently one of the best players at this year’s showpiece

Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has stated that the recent upsurge in his form is due to his desire to improve and the help he has gotten from Nigeria’s coaching crew.

The Watford defender was poor prior to the Africa Cup of Nations. He made mistakes that cost his club. His clumsy foul in the last minute of Watford’s Premier League tie against Brentford in December was the reason the Hornets lost.

Also, with him in defence, Watford could not keep clean sheets. Before the AFCON, there were doubts over his ability to properly marshall the Super Eagles defence, especially as the team would be with a new coach.

However, the former Udinese man has risen from the disappointments at his club and has become a stalwart in the Super Eagles defence.

He has also been a significant threat in the opponents’ box, and he got the results for his efforts as he scored the second goal in Nigeria’s 2-0 triumph over Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles vice-captain also claimed the man of the match award for the first time in the tournament.

Troost-Ekong believes that his constant push for improvement and the help from Nigeria’s coaching crew has played a big role in his outstanding performances at the African showpiece.

“I’m very happy that I’ve managed to contribute what I can to the team, and that’s the beauty about football,” Troost-Ekong said at the post-match conference.

“But I think you can give the best answers on the pitch. So in November and December, I was criticised, that’s normal, and for us, it’s always a cue to try and improve every time.”

“I’m not perfect, and of course I make mistakes, but I think the biggest thing is that you want to improve every time.

“I’m very happy that the coaching crew gave me the confidence again to play, and I’m trying to repay them back for that. But more importantly, I think it’s about the team.” He added.

The Super Eagles vice-captain has been superb in Nigeria’s first three games, and he will look to continue with his performances to help Nigeria claim a fourth AFCON title.