Troost-Ekong details how Super Eagles players have welcomed new boys Orban, Boniface, Torunarigha

PAOK central defender William Troost-Ekong was the player selected to be on media duties in Saturday's pre-match press conference, which is an indication that he will be involved in some capacity in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against São Tomé and Príncipe. 

For the dead rubber match against The Falcons and True Parrots Team, Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro gave first time call-ups to three players in the shape of Gent duo Jordan Torunarigha and Gift Orban, and Bayer Leverkusen new sensation Victor Boniface.

Torunarigha is not a new name in Nigerian football circles as he was heavily courted by ex-Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr before the 2018 World Cup but the German could not convince him to switch his international allegiance from Germany to Nigeria. 

Orban and Boniface had a breakout 2022-2023 campaign and have picked up where they left off last season with 11 goals between them in the new season.

Troost-Ekong has detailed how Torunarigha, Boniface and Orban have been welcomed into the Super Eagles fold and highlighted that the three players have adapted to the team well.

"It has been very good, they are coming into a group that is welcoming the new players. They've showed themselves in training which is always the first thing, " Troost-Ekong said. 

"We know about them because they are doing very well in their clubs so everybody is seeing how they've been performing and I'm very happy that they are here. 

"It's great that we have so much talent around the world. They've had their initiation, they had to sing for us and they did well there as well so I know it has been good. "

He added : "Off the pitch as well I see the guys gelling well with the team, spending time together. They feel comfortable, playing cards, having fun. On the training pitch they are seriously working hard so that's all we can ask.

"When I came to the team, eight years ago now, I know it's difficult when you come to a new group but they also have some friends in the team, maybe they play together.

"We try to do our best, all the boys have been welcoming to them."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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