William Troost-Ekong has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will rise again after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Troost-Ekong is one of 19 Eagles players currently in Dallas, USA, ahead of friendly games against Mexico and Ecuador on May 28 and June 2 respectively.
Recall the Eagles lost the 2022 World Cup ticket to bitter rivals Black Stars of Ghana in March.
And speaking in an interview with published on the NFF TV from Dallas ahead of the friendly games, Troost-Ekong expressed belief that the team will be back.
He spoke about meeting the new head coach Jose Peseiro, the new coaching crew and first training session under the new handler.
Also, he thanked Nigerian fans for always supporting the Eagles and encouraged them not to relent.
“We all arrive from a long travel here in Dallas it was amazing to meet the coach and the new coaching crew.
“Training was good it is great to see there are lots of home-based players here as well who have the chance to show themselves. Everyone is in good spirit and we are waiting for one or two more late arrivals and we are preparing well for the game against Mexico.
“It has been a tough few months for all of us, it’s a big heartache we have to keep on moving. When you fall down you have to stand up again, this team has been down before and came back and I believe we will do it again.
“So it’s great to be up for this friendly games and a chance to play in the AFCON qualifiers in next few weeks, that would be a great chance for us to refresh and refocus ourselves and the focus would be on the next AFCON.
“Lastly, I have to say a big thank you to the fans, I will ask them and encourage them to stay behind team we all know how much it means for us. We really appreciate your support so please stay behind the team.”
After the friendly games, the Eagles will kick off qualification for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone on June 9.
