Nigeria's Troost-Ekong sets sights on AFCON title

William Ekong of Nigeria celebrates goal during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Afcon Finals match between Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria at Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua, Cameroon, on 19 January 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jan 21, 2022. 10:00

Nigeria vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has set his sights on winning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

The experienced centre back was on the score sheet for the Super Eagles as they ended their successful Group D campaign with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday.

The Super Eagles will now face Tunisia in the Last 16 encounter on Sunday, January 23 at the Stade Omnisport Roumdé Adjia in Garoua, Cameroon.

Having finished third at the 2019 AFCON finals with Nigeria, Troost-Ekong, who is on the books of Premier League side Watford FC, is determined to lift this year’s title.

“I want to win the tournament this time, the last tournament in Egypt we managed to win bronze and missed out on the final,” Troost-Ekong told Goal.

“That was upsetting for most of us. This time around, we want to do better, there is a long way. The only thing we can guarantee is our effort and try to put in some good performances.”

The last time the Super Eagles won the AFCON title was in 2013 after they defeated Burkina Faso in the final in Johannesburg, South Africa.

It was the West African giants’ third continental title having also won the competition in 1980 and 1994.

Nigeria have also finished as s runners-up four times in 1984, 1988, 1990 and 2000.