Cybereagles

“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.

“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.

felarey wrote: ↑Tue Jul 01, 2025 5:21 pm 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.

felarey wrote: ↑Tue Jul 01, 2025 5:21 pm 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.

Tbite wrote: ↑Wed Jul 02, 2025 11:27 pm

felarey wrote: ↑Tue Jul 01, 2025 5:21 pm 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.

Tbite wrote: ↑Wed Jul 02, 2025 11:27 pm

felarey wrote: ↑Tue Jul 01, 2025 5:21 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 03, 2025 6:07 pm

Tbite wrote: ↑Wed Jul 02, 2025 11:27 pm

felarey wrote: ↑Tue Jul 01, 2025 5:21 pm 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.