“Come back” – Arsenal hero Nwankwo Kanu sends well-wishes to injured Super Eagles star

The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games gold medalist watched the Nigerian national team labour to a slim 2-1 victory over Sierra Leone on Thursday

Legendary striker Nwankwo Kanu has sent a get-well-soon message to William Troost-Ekong following the Watford defender’s injury during Nigeria’s narrow 2-1 win over Sierra Leone in the first group game of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Goals from Everton winger Alex Iwobi and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen helped the Super Eagles come from a goal down to claim the team’s first win under new head coach Jose Peseiro.

After struggling in the early stages of the encounter, Troost-Ekong recovered to deliver a decent display as the Eagles earned the first win in six matches in all competitions.

The stand-in Super Eagles captain, however, had to be replaced by Leganes centre-back Kenneth Omeruo after he cupped an injury in the 80th minute.

Despite his setback, Troost-Ekong expressed his pleasure at the team’s success, posting on Instagram: “First game and first win to set us off on the new AFCON 2023 campaign. Thanks for the messages. I will be back soon.”

Arsenal hero Nwankwo Kanu and Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis were among those who responded to Troost-Ekong’s post.

Dennis sent Ekong the power emoji with the text, “Naija boy”.

On his part, Kanu wrote, “Congratulations, congratulations, come back.”

Nigeria next make the trip to face Sao Tome and Principe on Monday, a game that may come too soon for Troost-Ekong.

Head coach Jose Peseiro can, however, call on Kenneth Omeruo and Rangers’ Leon Balogun as capable alternatives in the heart of the defence for the Eagles.