Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has issued a heartfelt yet firm warning to Nigeria-eligible players considering switching allegiance to represent the West African nation.
Speaking in an interview with Punch, the AFCON 2023 MVP stressed that donning the iconic green-and-white jersey should never be a fallback option but a decision rooted in passion and pride.
Troost-Ekong, who was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, made the pivotal decision to represent Nigeria in 2015 after receiving a call from the late Stephen Keshi, a legendary figure in Nigerian football. Since then, the 31-year-old has earned nearly 80 caps and has grown into a respected leader and captain of the national team.
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“I would never try to pressure anyone into making that decision,” Troost-Ekong said.
He added, “Representing Nigeria has to come from the heart. Over the years, I’ve had conversations with a number of players who were weighing their options when they called me.”
“I always tell them the same thing: if you’re going to wear the Nigerian jersey, you have to do it because it means something to you, not just because it’s an option; it has to come from your heart.”
Troost-Ekong was part of a new wave of foreign-born talents including Leon Balogun and Alex Iwobi who committed fully to Nigeria during the mid-2010s. Reflecting on that time, he noted how their decisions helped to shift perceptions and pave the way for more dual nationals to feel welcomed into the fold.
“In my generation, I believe we helped open that door a bit wider,” he continued. “Players like Leon Balogun, Alex Iwobi, and I were among the first wave of foreign-born talents to commit fully to Nigeria.
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“Of course, there were others before us, like Osaze Odemwingie and George Abbey, but I think our group helped to normalise that transition and make it more accepted within the team and the fan base.”
With a new generation of Nigerian-eligible players emerging across Europe — from England and Germany to the Netherlands and Belgium — Ekong’s message is clear: passion must lead the choice.
As the Super Eagles prepare for crucial fixtures ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, unity, commitment, and genuine pride will be essential to Nigeria’s ambitions — and Troost-Ekong wants only those who truly believe in the badge to be a part of that mission.
