Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has promised to be present in Uyo when Nigeria take on South Africa in a FIFA World Cup qualifier next month, Soccernet.ng reports.
Troost-Ekong was not included in the Super Eagles 23-man roster for the back-to-back clash with South Africa and the Benin Republic because of fitness issues.
The 30-year-old had recovered from an injury he suffered at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named the tournament’s most valuable player.
However, he has struggled for match fitness, forcing head coach Finidi George to call up a few rookies to the national team.
Tanzania-based Benjamin Tanimu, with only one Super Eagles cap, will stand in for Troost-Ekong while Finidi has also extended first-time invitations to Remo Stars full-back Sodiq Ismael and Enugu Rangers left-back Kenneth Igboke.
Troost-Ekong, who says the Super Eagles are pleased with Finidi’s appointment as head coach, revealed he tried all he could to be ready for the South Africa clash.
The PAOK defender has, however, pledged to be in Uyo on matchday for his charity and also to offer guidance and support to the Super Eagles newbies.
“Very important game. We all know we want to be in the 2026 World Cup,” Troost-Ekong said on Arise News.
“Coach Finidi is coming now, has been appointed which I think everyone’s very happy about – someone who understands Nigerian football. He’s been our assistant coach and deserved this shot now to be the head coach.
“I’m back fit now since two weeks but just missing some match fitness. I have personally been working on trying to get fit to give the coach the possibility to have me there.
“Regarding the team, I will be there in Uyo as well when they arrive. Some of the players are coming to support the charity game and I’ll try and hang around for the match to try and give them moral support, and try and do my best to share some of my experiences with some of the younger players.
“These are definitely key games against South Africa and Benin for us to get a ticket towards the World Cup in 2026.”
Nigeria’s game against South Africa will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7.
This post was last modified on May 31, 2024 8:22 am
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