Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong is eyeing a potential return to the squad for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, as reported by Soccernet.ng . The standout performer of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Troost-Ekong suffered an injury during Nigerias campaign but managed to excel despite the setback, earning him recognition as the tournaments best player. Troost-Ekong, speaking with CNN , indicated that he could be back in contention before the end of the season, making him available for Nigerias June international fixtures. I should be back and fit again in May, but I think its probably season over. You never know how rehab will go but I dont want to rush it because, at my tender age of 30, you have to be smart about these injuries." He said However, he emphasized the importance of a cautious approach to his recovery, stating that he wouldnt rush back if it meant jeopardizing his long-term fitness. I want to be 100% for next season, 100% right. If I can play at the end of this season thats great, if not then I will be ready for next season, he added. The PAOK Salonique player detailed the nature of his injury, a torn bicep femoris, sustained during the tournament, and how he managed to play through the pain during AFCON matches. He said: "I had a torn bicep femoris, which is basically the outside part of the hamstring. It happened during the tournament and I think I had a small tear initially in the second group stage game against Cote d'Ivoire. I managed to play on and then after the final I had another MRI, and we realised it was really ruptured. "It was very sore playing with it, and I couldn't really train after the second group game. I was just trying ice to keep the swelling down. "I might do half an hour of training the day before each game, and then during the game, a combination of painkillers and adrenaline means you can get through it. The day after each game it was definitely showing as I was struggling to walk." Nigeria is set to host South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium and travel to Benin Republic for their upcoming qualifiers in June. N.B: Would you like to see William Troost-Ekong's quick return to the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers? Leave your comments below.
Recommended For You
