6 days Ago By Nnamdi Ezekute
William Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles captain, has revealed that his parents initially opposed his decision to pursue a career in football, even punishing him for playing the sport with his peers. In an exclusive interview with , the 31-year-old Al-Kholood centre-back disclosed that his parents wanted him to prioritise his education, a common expectation in many African households. “My father didn’t agree with me taking up football because I was doing well in school,” Ekong began during a chat with Completesports.
com at the Super Eagles camp at Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, ahead of Monday’s final Group D clash of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Rwanda’s Amavubi. “He gave us the opportunity to attend good schools in Europe. I went to school in Holland before transferring to another in England.
So, when I told him I wanted to leave school to become a professional footballer, it was a tough decision. Troost-Ekong added: “Now, being a father myself, I understand and respect his position. Times have changed; the world is evolving.
Kids can now combine education with pursuing their dreams. But it’s not always easy to balance both. Sometimes, delaying the pursuit of an athletic career for university might mean it’s too late, physically.
” Troost-Ekong also shared a specific incident where he was punished for disobeying his father. “Yes, it was like a game of cat and mouse. I was warned not to go outside and play, but I tried to sneak out.
When I got caught, I was punished,” he said. Reflecting on the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2025 AFCON, Ekong expressed his delight at the team’s performance..
