Ekong-Troost hands Nigeria boost ahead of Ghana clashes

by Staff Reporter

Friday Mar 11, 2022. 13:00

Nigeria have been boosted by news William Troost-Ekong has returned to training at Watford FC ahead of the Super Eagles’ clashes with Ghana.

The Super Eagles will battle it out with their West African rivals over two legs for a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar at the end of the year.

The experienced centre back is yet to feature for Watford since January 1 when they lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League encounter at Vicarage Road.

Troost-Ekong has had a groin problem since he returned from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Cameroon where he helped Nigeria reach the knockout phase.

Even at his return to full fitness, the 28-year-old will miss Watford’s Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday night.

“William Troost-Ekong makes his return to full training today following a minor groin problem, but tomorrow’s Molineux encounter is likely to come too soon for the Nigeria captain,” a statement from Watford website read.

Troost-Ekong is part of Nigeria head coach Augustine Eguavoen’s 32-man professional squad, although he is expected to whittle the group down to 24 ahead of the training camp in Abuja on March 21.

The Black Stars of Ghana will host the Super Eagles in the first-leg clash at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Ghana on March 24.

While the second-leg game is set to be played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Nigeria on March 27 and the winner on aggregate will qualify for the World Cup finals.