World Cup Qualifiers: ‘I’m match fit,’ Troost-Ekong insists, after omission from Finidi’s squad

Super Eagles captain and AFCON 2023 MVP William TroostEkong has claimed he is fully fit and ready to represent Nigeria if called by Finidi George in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Troost-Ekong, who led Nigeria to the AFCON 2023 final, was a notable omission from the 23-man squad announced by new manager Finidi George for the crucial double-header.

It was widely assumed that the inspirational defender was still recovering from an injury sustained during the continental tournament.

However, in a Meet-and-Greet with the media in Lagos, Troost-Ekong has set the record straight.

“They predicted it would take three to four months for me to come back, I came back in nine weeks,” Troost-Ekong stated on Thursday night.

“I am match fit; I didn’t play in the last games (for PAOK) but that’s up to the coach to decide. But I was back with the team training two weeks before the end.

“I am fit now, so if anything happens to the current squad (Super Eagles), Finidi George has my full support. But I can thank God that I am back fit again.”

The 30-year-old’s exclusion from the squad had raised eyebrows, with many fans questioning the decision, given his pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive AFCON 2023 campaign.

Troost-Ekong’s declaration of fitness will now put pressure on Finidi George to reconsider his selection for the crucial World Cup qualifiers.

As the Super Eagles look to maintain their push for a place in the 2026 World Cup, the availability of their inspirational captain could be a game-changer