Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed the club versus country dilemma facing African footballers in a recent interview, especially during continental competitions like the AFCON, MySportDab Reports.
Speaking on a podcast with former teammate Ben Foster, Troost-Ekong said many European clubs are always reluctant to release players for AFCON despite being a major international tournament.
He shared his own experience at Watford, highlighting how difficult it was to leave for national team duty.
The Nigerian defender remembered one notable example concerning his former teammate Emmanuel Dennis, who opted not to go with the Super Eagles to AFCON and preferred to stay at Watford. “I think everybody remembers how it was with Dennis at the time because he didn’t go, and I did,” Troost-Ekong underlined, pointing out the pressure from clubs on players.
For that not to happen, there has to be clarity with the clubs, said Troost-Ekong, who reported making his intentions known when he signed for Greek side PAOK. “I told them, ‘Keep that in mind, and I hope you’re okay with it.’ Thankfully, they agreed,” he explained.
Yet, he said, clubs will try to convince players ahead of the tournament. “The manager might say, ‘Try and play one more game before you leave, or come back as soon as possible,'” he said. He also pointed out the dangers of doing so in a hurry: “If you return injured, like with a torn hamstring, it doesn’t go down well.”
Troost-Ekong’s comments mirror a long-standing problem for African players, who often come under pressure from their clubs whenever they are called up to their national teams.
His remarks call for more respect and understanding between clubs and national teams over international commitments.
