“It was a game of cat and mouse” – Super Eagles captain speaks on his Father punishing him for picking football over academics

Super Eagles and Al-Kholood defender, William Troost-Ekong, has revealed it was a tussle with his Father regarding picking a football career over his academics, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Watford centre-back was born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father, but opted to play for the Super Eagles and has grown into a legend of the game in the green and white colours of the three-time AFCON Champions.

Despite the success he's achieved on the football pitch, the ex-Udinese man revealed it wasn't smooth with his dad when he chose football over school.

“Yes, it was like a game of cat and mouse. I was warned not to go outside and play, but I tried to sneak out. When I got caught, I was punished.

He gave us the opportunity to attend good schools in Europe. I went to school in Holland before transferring to another in England. So, when I told him I wanted to leave school to become a professional footballer, it was a tough decision.

Now, being a father myself, I understand and respect his position. Times have changed; the world is evolving.

Kids can now combine education with pursuing their dreams, but it’s not always easy to balance both. Sometimes, delaying the pursuit of an athletic career for university might mean it’s too late, physically,” the one-time Greek Super League winner said in an interview with Complete Sports.

Ekong won the AFCON Played of the tournament award, and has been nominated for the CAF Player of the year award alongside his national teammate, Ademola Olajade Lookman.