“From the heart” – Super Eagles captain weighs in on foreign-born players wanting to play for Nigeria

[iworo]

“From the heart” – Super Eagles captain weighs in on foreign-born players wanting to play for Nigeria



Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has sent a note of warning to Nigeria-eligible players who want to don the Green and White colours of the National Team, Soccernet.ng reports.

The AFCON 2023 MVP was born in the Netherlands, but a call from former Nigeria coach, the late Stephen Keshi, convinced the 31-year-old to play for the Super Eagles.

Ten years on and almost 80 games after, Ekong feels nothing but pride captaining the three-time AFCON Champions, and is proud to see a generation of foreign-born talents coming back to play for Nigeria.

However, the former FC Watford warned that the decision has to be one from the hearts of the footballers, as Nigeria should never be a second choice for anyone.

“I would never try to pressure anyone into making that decision. Representing Nigeria has to come from the heart. Over the years, I’ve had conversations with a number of players who were weighing their options when they called me,” the one-time Greek Champion said in an interview with Punch.

“I always tell them the same thing: if you’re going to wear the Nigerian jersey, you have to do it because it means something to you, not just because it’s an option; it has to come from your heart. In my generation, I believe we helped open that door a bit wider.”

“Players like Leon Balogun, Alex Iwobi, and I were among the first wave of foreign-born talents to commit fully to Nigeria.

“Of course, there were others before us, like Osaze Odemwingie and George Abbey, but I think our group helped to normalise that transition and make it more accepted within the team and the fan base,” Ekong added.

Quizzed if he's harbouring any thoughts about quitting the National Team anytime soon, the former Udinese defender mentioned he won't overstay his welcome.

“No, not yet. I’m 31 now, and I still feel strong physically and mentally. When the time comes for me to step aside, I’ll know. I’ll be the first one to say, “I’m done.”

“I’ll never overstay my welcome, but right now, that’s not crucial to my mind. I still feel like I have something to offer the team,” the former PAOK man concluded.

Ekong recently organised a charity game for his foundation at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, featuring several popular names like Alex Song, Ayo Makun, Mayorkun, Wilfred Ndidi and Tolu Arokodare


https://soccernet.ng/2025/06/super-eagl ... geria.html

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

El Capitan is right. It has to come from the heart or they will never give 100%. Sometimes, for those that have elite talent like Saka and Eze, the head and the wallet overwhelms the heart.

[felarey]

These aren't heart but career decisions. Troost is lumping every foreign born together. Putting himself in the same boat as Osaze, who probably feels more at home on the streets of Benin/Lagos than many of us here.

[Damunk]

These aren't heart but career decisions. Troost is lumping every foreign born together. Putting himself in the same boat as Osaze, who probably feels more at home on the streets of Benin/Lagos than many of us here.

Exactly.
Just because we are living and working abroad doesn’t mean our hearts are not with Naija or we love the UK/USA etc more.
In fact there are too many Nigerians I’ve met that talk as if they hate their adopted country but are quite happy to benefit from the standard of living and support it provides across the board.

[Tbite]

These aren't heart but career decisions. Troost is lumping every foreign born together. Putting himself in the same boat as Osaze, who probably feels more at home on the streets of Benin/Lagos than many of us here.

What are you talking about. Whsy does career decision have to do with the NT?

Any player making a career decision with our NT is a worth less than a chewed up piece of gum to me.

If you dont want to play for Nigeria from the heart, stay far away from the team.

Those ones thst will spend 10 years trying to make up their mind.

Career decision. Nationality is now a career?

It is not about questioning their decision. They should have a decision to make, but one that they should make honestly.

Making this thing a career decision will not work anyway. It won't be sustainable. Heart matters.

In the final against CIV in the Afcon, I saw no heart.

[felarey]

These aren't heart but career decisions. Troost is lumping every foreign born together. Putting himself in the same boat as Osaze, who probably feels more at home on the streets of Benin/Lagos than many of us here.

What are you talking about. Whsy does career decision have to do with the NT?

Any player making a career decision with our NT is a worth less than a chewed up piece of gum to me.

If you dont want to play for Nigeria from the heart, stay far away from the team.

Those ones thst will spend 10 years trying to make up their mind.

Career decision. Nationality is now a career?

It is not about questioning their decision. They should have a decision to make, but one that they should make honestly.

Making this thing a career decision will not work anyway. It won't be sustainable. Heart matters.

In the final against CIV in the Afcon, I saw no heart.

I guess this post is from the heart, GET REAL! The reasons these players opt to play for Nigeria are not far fetched. Would Ekong have played against Messi, Di Maria etc. if it wasn't for the opportunity he got with Nigeria? Players that don't regularly play in Champions League level take the opportunity to experience elite competition and development, other football styles and widen their horizons. Performing in major tournaments will attract sponsors, endorsements, boost in reputation which makes them more attractive to bigger clubs. This leads to higher transfers and salaries. These are career related. If you're not in the frame for the top teams ala Germany, England, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Argentina etc. Your next best bet is to pick up the slack with other teams you're eligible for. All the gains I've listed are better with the top teams. Choosing Nigeria is a secondary option in the hope of getting to the top.

The 'heart' part of it comes when you get with your teammates, experience love from fans, gain some career highlights etc. You're enjoying it and the love is coming both ways. For the naija born guys, it could be heart but I'll say career is equally important to them.

[Damunk]

These aren't heart but career decisions. Troost is lumping every foreign born together. Putting himself in the same boat as Osaze, who probably feels more at home on the streets of Benin/Lagos than many of us here.

What are you talking about. Whsy does career decision have to do with the NT?

Any player making a career decision with our NT is a worth less than a chewed up piece of gum to me.

If you dont want to play for Nigeria from the heart, stay far away from the team.

Those ones thst will spend 10 years trying to make up their mind.

Career decision. Nationality is now a career?

It is not about questioning their decision. They should have a decision to make, but one that they should make honestly.

Making this thing a career decision will not work anyway. It won't be sustainable. Heart matters.

In the final against CIV in the Afcon, I saw no heart.

Actually, we should be the ones asking YOU what you are talking about.
If you can’t grasp what this whole nuanced discussion is about then not commenting remains an option.

The majority of us that were born and/or raised in Nigeria but find ourselves working abroad made a career decision to do so.
It’s got nothing to do with where are hearts were or are now.

And yes, choosing a national team to play football for IS a career decision.
I’m unable to understand how you don’t get it.

[Damunk]

These aren't heart but career decisions. Troost is lumping every foreign born together. Putting himself in the same boat as Osaze, who probably feels more at home on the streets of Benin/Lagos than many of us here.

What are you talking about. Whsy does career decision have to do with the NT?

Any player making a career decision with our NT is a worth less than a chewed up piece of gum to me.

If you dont want to play for Nigeria from the heart, stay far away from the team.

Those ones thst will spend 10 years trying to make up their mind.

Career decision. Nationality is now a career?

It is not about questioning their decision. They should have a decision to make, but one that they should make honestly.

Making this thing a career decision will not work anyway. It won't be sustainable. Heart matters.

In the final against CIV in the Afcon, I saw no heart.

I guess this post is from the heart, GET REAL! The reasons these players opt to play for Nigeria are not far fetched. Would Ekong have played against Messi, Di Maria etc. if it wasn't for the opportunity he got with Nigeria? Players that don't regularly play in Champions League level take the opportunity to experience elite competition and development, other football styles and widen their horizons. Performing in major tournaments will attract sponsors, endorsements, boost in reputation which makes them more attractive to bigger clubs. This leads to higher transfers and salaries. These are career related. If you're not in the frame for the top teams ala Germany, England, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Argentina etc. Your next best bet is to pick up the slack with other teams you're eligible for. All the gains I've listed are better with the top teams. Choosing Nigeria is a secondary option in the hope of getting to the top.

The 'heart' part of it comes when you get with your teammates, experience love from fans, gain some career highlights etc. You're enjoying it and the love is coming both ways. For the naija born guys, it could be heart but I'll say career is equally important to them.

It’s hard to grasp how Tbite needs all this explained to him.
Seems more like an emotional response rather than a logical one. “From the heart” like you said.