David Kabiyesi
Super Eagles skipper, Troosts Ekong says he is elated to have staged a comeback to the national team after missing out of action due to nagging injury.
Fielding questions from the press after teams training on Monday, Ekong hinted that he is already looking forward to the clash against Leone Stars of Sierra Leone on June 18.
” It has been amazing, I missed out in March because of injury. I want to support the team and play my part, I have always wanted to come back,” Ekong told reporters at the end of training on Monday.
“For this qualification, everyone is motivated to get the ticket. Missing out on the World Cup is a painful memory but now we are looking ahead and I think we have put ourselves in a good position to qualify for the AFCON and redeem ourselves there,” he said
Commenting on the importance of having the mix of both home and foreign based players in the team, Ekong said:
” I think it is important and I think it was great to see the final (playoffs) of the Nigerian Premier League yesterday and great to see some players who are in the final included.
“I think it was something I said from the start that it would be great to see the Nigerian Premier League grow, we have so much talent in this country and it would be great for players to start their career here and not leaving for abroad straight away.
” For the players included, it is for them to push and show the coach what they can do and also for us to try and help them and maybe give them some experience as well as the blend of foreign and local professionals will be good for Nigeria”
