Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, stressed the significance of skill rather than nationality or identity when selecting the next national team coach, as reported by Sunday PUNCH.
Following Jose Peseiro’s departure after guiding the Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations final in Ivory Coast in February, talks have escalated about the Portuguese preferred successor with foreigner, Danny Buijs, Domenec Torrent and Antonio Conceicao and homegrown Emmanuel Amuneke as top contenders for the position.
Ekong also recognized the achievements of African countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast under their local coaches but advised against overlooking the value foreign coaches bring.
The 30-year-old, who was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, represented Holland at U-21 level before switching allegiance to Nigeria and was initially capped by the late Stephen Keshi. He went on to play under several other local coaches like Augustine Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Sunday Oliseh.
He also collaborated with foreign coaches like Gernot Rohr and Peseiro.
In an interview with Eagle7fm on Saturday, the PAOK defender stated that the Eagles' ultimate goal is to win the Africa Cup of Nations and surpass their best accomplishment at the World Cup.
“The best scenario is for a Nigerian to lead our team,” Ekong said.
“Senegal and Ivory Coast have fared well under their own coaches. The coaches already grasp the culture and players and can easily connect with the team.
“But you cannot disregard a foreign coach. My experience with Rohr was very positive, as well as with Peseiro. It should not be based on nationality and identities. We should decide on what is best for the team because we want to win the AFCON and go further in the World Cup.”
Troost-Ekong made his debut for the three-time African champions in a match against Chad on June 13, 2015 and has played 71 times for Nigeria, scoring seven goals.
Ekong secured Olympic football bronze with Nigeria at the 2016 Rio Games, and achieved bronze and silver at the 2019 and 2023 AFCON tournaments in Egypt and Ivory Coast respectively.
