Ekong warms up to play before Abuja fans

Super Eagles Assistant captain, William Troost Ekong, has assured Nigerians that he is fit and ready for the 2022 World Cup playoffs against the Black Stars of Ghana with the first leg slated for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi tomorrow.

Initially reported to miss out of the World Cup playoffs , the Watford defender rued the miscommunication during a press conference to herald the Friday’s tie.

I think there were some miscommunications in the press concerning the length of my injury recovery. I had a small injury but I have recovered,” Ekong said. “I am back fit. If I wasn’t fit I won’t be here today because I know we have other quality players that could replace me. I feel good now and I have been training for two weeks now.”

The former Udinese defender also expressed his delight at the choice of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja for the return leg on Tuesday, adding the Super Eagles would approach the two games with the hunger and desire to pick the World Cup ticket.

“It is very good. We have been eager to play in Abuja for a long time. We know that the fans will be very excited. That is what we need to really make it a home game. We are excited about it and looking forward to the game,” Ekong noted. “We have quite a number of players with experience.

“ Our captain leads by example; he and other experienced players have been speaking to the players about the importance of the game.

“It is going to be about who wanted it more. It is going to be about our hunger and determination.

“We must strive to have the right mind-set and balance the feeling. We shouldn’t be too carried away or overly excited. It is about balancing it,” he added.

TheNation/Nnenna.O