Coming off the high of captaining his country at a major international tournament, the next guest on the SoccerBible podcast is Super Eagles skipper and stalwart defender, William Troost-Ekong.
It’s been a funny old few months for William Troost-Ekong. First there was the elation of being named captain of Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations before that campaign ended with a bit of a whimper, and that’s been followed by an absence from the Watford line-up ever since. But this is a mere blip in what is otherwise an inspiring journey of a man that has had something of an unorthodox entry into the game.
Soaking up every experience football can offer, Troost-Ekong is an inspired character we can all take note from. Captaining Nigeria, his life in many respects has gone beautifully full-circle. A fascinating story that starts in the Netherlands, journeys into England and then adventures across the planet, in search of an elite dream, it's now with Watford, in the Premier League where he plys his trade. A player who glows with maturity, style and substance, is looking to give back. An inspired chat with a real gem. Dive in.
Listen to the full episode now on Spotify.
The World Cup was special for me, because it was almost the maximum thing anyone can achieve in their career: to represent your country at the World Cup. Representing Nigeria on a major stage, I think that was a moment where my dad was very proud, so something really special all round.”
I went on trial to Groningen, who had just sold Virgil Van Dijk to Celtic, and they were looking for a young understudy defender to take over his number and to fill in his shoes there. And I did well enough to get a deal, so I was over the moon – my first professional contract. Made my debut and got subbed at halftime!”
Listen to the full SoccerBible Podcast episode with William Troost-Ekong and our entire back catalogue at Spotify, iTunes and Spreaker.
William Troost-Ekong wears the Nike Phantom GT II, which you can pick up at prodirectsoccer.com
