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William Troost-Ekong returns to Super Eagles and Uyo after he was left out by ex-manager Finidi George.
Super Eagles captain and AFCON 2023 MVP William Troost-Ekong has made a highly anticipated return to the national team camp after his exclusion under former manager Finidi George.
The defender's return comes as Nigeria prepares for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers, bringing both experience and leadership back to the squad.
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14:20 - 01.09.2024
William Troost-Ekong turns 31: CAF and NFF celebrate Super Eagles deputy captain
See what CAF and NFF said as Super Eagles deputy captain William Troost-Ekong turns 31.
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From Exclusion to Inclusion
Troost-Ekong's absence from the national team setup during crucial World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic raised eyebrows among fans and Super Eagles followers.
The decision by then-manager Finidi George to leave out the team's captain was met with surprise and speculation about potential fitness issues.
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However, Troost-Ekong had publicly stated his readiness to represent Nigeria during this period. In a clarification made in Lagos, he emphasised that he was "fit and ready whenever Finidi needed him ahead of the WCQ."
This statement highlighted the disconnect between the player's perceived readiness and the manager's selection decisions.
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The period of Troost-Ekong's absence coincided with challenging results for the national team under the guidance of the NPFL winner, Finidi.
Nigeria was held to a draw at home by South Africa, followed by a shocking defeat to the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, leaving Nigeria’s World Cup fate hanging in the balance.
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These disappointing outcomes ultimately led to Finidi George's unexpected resignation from his position as head coach.
Troost’Ekong’s Homecoming
Now, with AFCON 2025 qualifiers on the horizon, Troost-Ekong finds himself not only back in the national team setup but also in familiar surroundings.
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The team's camp in Uyo, located in Akwa Ibom State, holds special significance for the defender as it's his hometown.
Expressing his excitement about the return, Troost-Ekong took to social media, posting on Facebook: "BACK ON HOME SOIL. LOCKED IN."
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This message, accompanied by pictures of himself, clearly conveys his enthusiasm and focus as he rejoins his teammates.
Troost-Ekong's return to the Super Eagles fold comes at a crucial time as the team prepares for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. His experience, leadership, and recent MVP performance at AFCON 2023 are expected to provide a significant boost to the squad.
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