'Doesn't open his mouth' - Troost-Ekong backs Iwobi to become a Super Eagles great despite criticism

William Troost-Ekong has revealed that Alex Iwobi has played a key role in him becoming a vital player for the Super Eagles.

The veteran centre-back made his debut in 2015 and has been a mainstay in the team since then, making 75 appearances, 16 of them have been at the Africa Cup of Nations and three at the World Cup.

He was named in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament, was the recipient of the Player of the Tournament and is in contention for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year alongside Ademola Lookman.

The former Watford defender has revealed that his rise to becoming an integral player for the Super Eagles has been largely influenced by Iwobi.

The Fulham midfielder made his debut in 2015 and has featured in 83 appearances which has included the AFCON and the Fifa World Cup.

Addressing newsmen ahead of Monday's 2025 AFCON qualifier clash with Rwanda, Troost-Ekong revealed that Iwobi has paid his dues and will retire as a great player.

"I think the biggest motivation we see some great players like Alex Iwobi, he has been now also for a long time, 80 something caps, he was there my second camp and I was trying to use him as I think a top role model for any player, someone who has played in the Premier League throughout his career, " Troost-Ekong said. 

"He has nothing to prove, always comes here on time, doesn't open his mouth, works hard, has been criticized heavily by people also sitting in this room but he is someone that will go down as a real great when he finishes playing.

"Sometimes you have to appreciate the players we have here and you know all these boys are working hard, they want to make everyone proud, so we are all in this journey together and I am very proud to have already done almost 10 years but I am not finished yet, I still have some targets to achieve."

The duo are one of the first names on the Super Eagles team sheet and have featured prominently in the 2025 AFCON qualification campaign.

With qualification guaranteed, it remains to be seen how much role they will play in tomorrow's clash with Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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