FLASHBACK: Ex-Spurs Defender Troost-Ekong Commits International Future To Nigeria Ahead Of Holland

Former Tottenham Hotspur central defender William Troost-Ekong , 21, is targeting a call-up to the Super Eagles having committed his international future to Nigeria.
 
Per Fifa rules, the FC Groningen loanee is eligible to play for the Olympic National Team despite earning caps for the youth teams of Holland between 2011 and 2013, as those games were international friendlies.
 
He has been very outstanding for Eredivisie side Dordrecht since joining them on loan from  FC Groningen in the January transfer window, and has chalked up 10 appearances so far this season.
 
“I represented Holland at Under 19 and 20 level. They where the first to contact me and followed my progress for a long time,” William Troost-Ekong explained to SL10.ng.
 
“I have never been contacted directly by the Nigerian FA. But on different occasions I have heard they are keeping track of my progress.
 
“Even though it has always been an ambition to represent Nigeria, the contacts simply weren’t there.
 
“My parents have given their blessing. My father is Nigerian and lives in Lagos, and even though my mother is Dutch she would also be very happy to see me play in green and white.”
 
Troost-Ekong has said that he has no regrets about his decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur for the Dutch top-tier, pointing out that he needed to play for a team where he’s guaranteed playing opportunities.
 
“Playing in England was a very important part of my development. I signed my first contract at Spurs and learnt how to defend from some of the best coaches.

“Also, training with the first team was also a good experience to measure myself with some of the best players in the Premier League.
 
“I have no regrets leaving England as returning to Holland to play for FC Groningen and now FC Dordrecht were vital to gain first team experience,and play weekly at the highest level here in order to develop and gain experience,” he concluded.
 
William Troost-Ekong is on loan at FC Dordrecht till the end of the 2014-2015 season.

This article was originally published by SL10.ng on November 12,2014 by Editor, allnigeriasoccer.com