• ‘Africa has shown it can compete with world’s very best’

Former Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong, has described watching World Cup games on television as one of the worst things that can happen to an elite footballer.

Ekong led the Super Eagles to an unsuccessful campaign to qualify for the ongoing World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. He has since retired from the international scene, yet he cannot help but rue the missed opportunity to be at the world’s biggest football show once again.

The former Watford defender, who played in the 2018 edition of the tournament in Russia, has watched African teams make their mark on football’s biggest stage with equal measures of pride and frustration.

Pride because African football continues to prove it belongs among the world’s elite. Frustration because he firmly believes Nigeria should have been part of that story.

Speaking at a World Cup media round table organised by Supersport, Ekong said: “All of us are incredibly eager to see Nigeria back at the World Cup, and missing out again only increases that desire. I would have loved to see Nigeria there because, when you watch African teams performing so well, you cannot help but think Nigeria would also have put in a strong performance.”

Ekong believes that the quality and talent within the Super Eagles would have served the team well in North America. “Many of the players have matured, and some also gained valuable experience at the 2018 World Cup,” he said.

Ekong said that missing consecutive World Cups should become a catalyst for meaningful change rather than another painful chapter.

“It would have been wonderful to see them compete, but I also think this serves as an important lesson,” he said.

“We need to reflect on our preparation and identify what needs to change in order to reach the next level ahead of the next World Cup.

“The players will continue working hard, sharing ideas, and doing everything possible to improve.

“I have never felt there was a lack of motivation or commitment from the players. I simply believe there are several areas that need to change, and this time those changes will be essential if the team is to succeed.”

While Nigeria’s absence still hurts, Ekong has found plenty of reasons to smile watching the continent’s representatives continue to challenge the traditional powers.

He believes the gap between Africa and Europe and South America has never been smaller. “I think so,” he says when asked whether this is Africa’s breakthrough World Cup.

“At the last World Cup, Morocco broke down those barriers and showed everyone what is possible.

Based on what we have seen so far in this tournament, many African teams, players, and individual performances have demonstrated that they can compete with the very best in the world.

“I am very hopeful that this could be the World Cup where an African team goes even further than Morocco did. If they reach that stage, hopefully they can go all the way.”

His faith in the Morocco national football team remains unwavering.

With Morocco preparing for a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against France national football team tomorrow, Troost-Ekong believes they once again carry the hopes of an entire continent.

“Morocco is definitely the first team that comes to mind,” he said.

“Senegal and Ivory Coast both did exceptionally well too until their eliminations, and they were a bit unlucky.”

Ekong is currently spending his time as part of SuperSport’s broadcast team. (Guardian)