“Bit of a surprise“– PAOK defender Troost-Ekong reacts to exclusion from Super Eagles squad

William Troost-Ekong has been out of the Super Eagles’ last four matches, which has sparked questions about his 2023 Africa Cup of Nations participation.

PAOK defender and Super Eagles Vice-Captain, William Troost Ekong, has expressed surprise at being left out of the Nigerian National Team, as reported by Soccernet.ng.

The Dutch-Nigerian defender has missed four consecutive matches for the Super Eagles, sparking speculation about a potential retirement from international duty.

However, the 30-year-old defender clarified to Soccernet.ng’s Managing Editor, Lolade Adewuyi, that it’s premature to consider retiring from the team, reaffirming his eagerness to continue playing for the Super Eagles.

Despite his commitment, Ekong admitted his surprise at not being included in Jose Peseiro’s squad for the recent matches against Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

“No, I haven’t retired from international football,” he stated “I think it’s too early for me to make that decision. I’m still very willing, and yes supporting the team, I’ve been following the games like always. I think I have been part of the squad for like eight years now. So it has been a bit of a surprise for me. But the best I can do is to work hard in my club. I think I am showing that I can still be of great help for the team. Yeah, we will see what happens with AFCON. But I’m still very willing and I want the best for Nigeria.”

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The Super Eagles are scheduled to assemble in Saudi Arabia before the upcoming 2023 AFCON campaign in January. Fans eagerly anticipate Jose Peseiro’s provisional squad list ahead of the tournament.