Categories: Sport

How Alex Iwobi, Leon Balogun stopped me from dumping Super Eagles – Troost-Ekong

Nigeria defender William Troost-Ekong has credited his decision to continue playing for the national team to the advice he received from two fellow Super Eagles players, Alex Iwobi and Leon Balogun.

Troost-Ekong, who was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), revealed that Iwobi and Balogun encouraged him not to retire from international football before the tournament in Ivory Coast.

Despite not featuring for the national team for over a year, the 30-year-old was unexpectedly included in the Super Eagles’ final squad for the tournament.

In a recent interview with CNN World Sport’s Amanda Davies, the PAOK star highlighted how conversations with Iwobi and Balogun made him reflect on his early days with the Super Eagles and the pride he felt when he made his debut under the late Stephen Keshi.

Troost-Ekong stated, “I spoke with some of the players I have been with [in the national team] for a long time. For example, Alex Iwobi, Leon Balogun. They all said that they thought it would be a real shame. They felt I still have a lot to give, which made me think about my younger self [when I first made my debut for the team]. It gives my younger self a better end.”

“So that was what changed my mind really.”

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Latest update on fuel price hike, fuel scarcity for November 22nd, 2024

As Nigerians express their frustrations over the recent fuel price hikes by the Nigerian National…

1 hour ago

Full List of 80,000 delisted companies published by CAC

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has officially removed companies that failed to file their annual…

1 hour ago

Amended NDLEA Act: Senate approves life imprisonment for drug traffickers, rejects death penalty

The Senate on Thursday agreed with the House of Representatives' recommendation to replace the death…

2 hours ago

Monday Odigie steps down as Bendel Insurance coach

Monday Odigie, the coach of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin, has resigned from his…

2 hours ago

Lewandowski reflects on missed Manchester United transfer

Robert Lewandowski has reflected on the time he nearly joined Manchester United in 2012, only…

2 hours ago

Okoye reflects on Super Eagles return after two years

Maduka Okoye has reflected on his first appearance for the Super Eagles in two years.…

3 hours ago