Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed his dream five-a-side team made up of Nigerian football legends, picking an exciting blend of past and present stars, Footynaija.com reports.
The Al Kholood defender showed his deep knowledge of Nigerian football history with a thoughtful selection that excluded himself despite his impressive achievements in the national team colours.
This moment right here contributed to us winning this match.
— Edu (@EduEle5) February 7, 2024
My Captain Ekong Troost was like, if I perish …I perish
Dragged the werey and felt zero remorse…Our country celebrates you Sir#AFCON2024 #ekongtroost pic.twitter.com/8ZG9lNfhLB
Troost-Ekong, who switched allegiance from the Netherlands to Nigeria in 2015, has been a key figure in the Super Eagles squad, earning over 60 caps.
The former Watford and Udinese star played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s bronze medal-winning campaign at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and led the team to the final of the 2023 edition, where he became the first defender in two decades to win the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
In an interview with football journalist Ayodele Olu Ibidapo on YouTube, the 30-year-old selected Vincent Enyeama in goal, describing the former Lille shot-stopper as a “legend” of Nigerian football.
Captain. Leader. MVP. ©
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) September 1, 2024
Wishing a very happy birthday to the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 Man of the Competition, William Troost-Ekong. pic.twitter.com/tQwDa5YU3K
Troost-Ekong opted for late Super Eagles icon Stephen Keshi in defence, while the midfield and attack featured John Obi Mikel, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Nwankwo Kanu – three of Nigeria’s greatest ever players.
Despite overtaking Keshi as Nigeria’s highest-scoring defender in AFCON history last year, Troost-Ekong humbly left himself out of the star-studded lineup.
With Nigeria set to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this month, the Super Eagles captain will be hoping to lead the current generation to glory, drawing inspiration from the legends he admires.
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