AFCON Finals: “Injury won’t stop me”- Troost-Ekong declares ahead of Nigeria vs Ivory Coast match

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong declared after Nigeria’s victory against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana that he would stop at nothing to be included in the starting lineup for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Ivory Coast in Cote d’Ivoire.

Even if it is just one leg for him, Ekong revealed that he will make sure he is included in the Super Eagles roster for the eagerly awaited game on Sunday in Abidjan.

The 30-year-old defender has been battling injuries to be able to play for Nigeria in the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, according to The Nation.

The Watford defender sustained the injury during Nigeria’s victory against Cote d’Ivoire in the team’s second Group A match.

He was forced to withdraw from the final group game against Guinea-Bissau due to an injury, and Kenneth Omeruo took his position in the starting lineup.

But in the round of 16 matchup with Cameroon, the Greece-based PAOK defender made his way back into the Super Eagles starting lineup, and he has since participated in every game up to the championship.

In the semi-final match on Wednesday at Stade Bouake, Troost-Ekong scored after 67 minutes for Nigeria, and Teboho Mokoena levelled for South Africa with a penalty kick in the 90th minute.

On penalties, Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2, and Troost-Ekong scored a Nigerian sport kick. Every player is looking forward to this Sunday’s final, which Troost-Ekong stated he wouldn’t want to miss.

“I think I have been struggling with injury since the Ivory Coast game and this is the moment I don’t want to miss. Even if it is remain one leg for me I will play. Although, the coach makes the decision on who plays but I will do my best to stay very good,” Troost-Ekong told Nationsport.