Super Eagles’ central defender and captain, William Troost-Ekong declared that the team’s 2-0 victory away to Rwanda on Friday was a reward for collective efforts from all the Nigerian players.
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While admitting that Galatasaray of Turkey striker, Victor Osimhen stood out by netting both goals, Troost-Ekong also mentioned Atalanta of Italy winger, Ademola Lookman, RKC Genk of Belgium’s Tolu Emmanuel Arokodare, and battling midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf among others who gave their best for the team.
The vastly improved centre back, who now plays for Al-Kholood of Saudi Arabia, further stated that the match was tougher than the result signified, which he said was mostly because the Eagles have a new coach, Eric Chelle in charge and they are still adjusting to his tactics.
The highly itinerant stopper recounted, “The game against Rwanda wasn’t easy. We’ve faced them several times now, and it’s a team that we respect. We started preparing last week, and our new coach tried to make us understand what he wanted us to do.
“We had barely two or three training sessions and a lot of video checks. In the match, we saw a glimpse of what we should be expecting under Coach Eric Chelle.”
Troost-Ekong then shifted attention to the main actors of the game and declared that they all gave their best, while also pushing all hindrances in order to get the best out of the must-win match.
“Talking about our players … Victor Osimhen is a fantastic player and among the world’s best. Together with Ademola Lookman, Africa’s current best … but I don’t want to single out any player.
“It was a collective performance, and everyone is equally important; including our debutant, who came off the bench, Tolu. Especially those who played out of position. Like Yusuf, who came in at right-back.
“There’s a great spirit in this team, which is something we’ve had before and is a big pattern of this current generation of Super Eagles, ” Troost-Ekong revealed with a relish.
