Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong tactfully sidestepped the debate over who is the better footballer Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. Speaking to talkSPORT, he joked about avoiding controversy, especially since he might face Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia later this season, stating, “I don’t want to get him mad.”
Troost-Ekong reflected on memorable encounters with both football icons. Regarding Messi, he vividly recalled the Argentine’s brilliance during the 2018 FIFA World Cup when Messi’s goal helped Argentina defeat Nigeria 2-1 in the group stage. He described Messi as “unplayable” and admired his exceptional quality and game awareness.
The defender also shared insights from his matches against Ronaldo, both in Serie A and the Premier League. He highlighted Ronaldo’s sharpness as a forward, noting his ability to exploit minimal space and get shots on target despite tight defensive setups. Troost-Ekong mentioned using physicality as a tactic to unsettle Ronaldo but acknowledged the difficulty of containing such a player.
Since his national team debut in 2015, Troost-Ekong has earned 76 caps and scored seven goals, cementing his role as a leader for the Super Eagles.
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Editorial
William Troost-Ekong’s reflections on facing Ronaldo and Messi provide a fascinating glimpse into what it’s like to compete against two of football’s greatest players. His humility and lighthearted approach to the debate reflect his respect for both legends, showcasing the unique challenges they pose to defenders worldwide.
This conversation is also a reminder of Troost-Ekong’s journey as a professional, navigating top-flight football in multiple leagues. His ability to analyse and adapt to different playing styles is a testament to his tactical intelligence and leadership on the pitch.
As the Super Eagles’ captain, Troost-Ekong exemplifies the qualities of resilience and respect that define Nigerian football. His experiences against the world’s best highlight the importance of discipline and preparation, lessons that resonate beyond football.
We appreciate Troost-Ekong’s candour and hope his insights inspire younger players to approach the game with similar humility and dedication.
Did You Know?
- Troost-Ekong played against Ronaldo during his time at Udinese in Serie A and Watford in the Premier League.
- Messi’s goal against Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup is regarded as one of the most iconic moments of the tournament.
- Troost-Ekong has represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups 2018, 2022 and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
- He started his football career in the Netherlands before playing in Norway, Turkey, Italy, and England.
- As Super Eagles captain, Troost-Ekong has been instrumental in mentoring younger players on the national team.
