Troost-Ekong Speaks About Win Against Egypt; Leading Super Eagles In Mikel, Musa Absence

Udinese defender William Troost-Ekong was delighted with the Super Eagles win against one of the pre-tournament favourites to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt.

The Super Eagles defended a one-goal lead for ninety minutes after Paul Onuachu netted the fastest goal ever scored by an African in international football after eight seconds, with Ekong and his central defensive partner Leon Balogun impressive.

''Egypt is one of the favorites for the AFCON, seeing that they are playing at home,'' said Troost-Ekong post-match.

''On the other hand, I think you have to keep going because it is just a friendly game, they tried new players as well. I think we played very well today, we were a little bit lucky.

''It is a great test for us after the game against Seychelles, try and do something better because it wasn't the best game, the conditions as well, and I think the boys started well, it was a good test for us.''

With Obi Mikel and Ahmed Musa not available for selection against the Pharaohs, Ekong was happy to captain the Super Eagles.

''It is great to captain Nigeria, of course Musa wasn't here because he's our captain and before that we had Mikel.

''I am happy to stand in when they are not there. But I am happy Musa is here with us, he is a fantastic player,'' he concluded.

Troost-Ekong first wore the armband as the Super Eagles beat Poland 1-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly in March 2018.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel