Troost-Ekong On Partnership With Balogun: His Quality Has Definitely Helped

Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong had words of glamour and excitement to give ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Algeria on Friday, and spoke about his partnership with Leon Balogun.

In an interview with thenff.com, the sturdy defender spoke about Nigeria's World cup qualification and the upcoming games against Algeria and South American heavyweights, Argentina.

"It is a big achievement for Nigeria and for me to qualify for the World Cup. It has encouraged me to continue to step up my game in preparation for the World Cup, and of course, at the tournament itself", he began.

Asked on how the Super Eagles should approach the Algeria game, with qualification now safely in the bag, he was very dogmatic in his response.

"We should aim to finish our World Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten and again use this as a game to improve as a team.

"The experience garnered playing for the Super Eagles has been life –changing for me. Facing some of the best forwards in Africa, whilst having to perform and deliver for such a football-loving nation like Nigeria is a pressure that improves you as a player.

''I enjoy being with the team, and working with quality players. Playing alongside someone like Leon Balogun with his quality has definitely helped, but I would feel just as comfortable playing next to anyone now," he went ahead to say.

Quizzed whether turning out against Argentina would prove too big a task for he and his team mates, he replied thus,

"No, I am excited. To be competing against the very best in the world and probably my generation, is something to look forward to. But that level of respect is where the Super Eagles should be too, so this is a chance for us to test ourselves".

The 24-year old is looking forward to a favourable World Cup draw for the Super Eagles but equally stopped shot to say that they are not really scared of any team they eventually get.

Emmanuel Chinaza