Troost-Ekong speaks on Super Eagles’ chances after switching Serie A for Championship

The Nigeria international completed a surprising move to Watford on Tuesday and has made clear his ambitions for self, club, and country

Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong is convinced that joining Watford is the right decision for him and his family while expressing the hopes that the move will not jeopardize his international future.

The 27-year-old defender, who joined the English side for an undisclosed fee on Tuesday, does not expect his shocking switch to the second-tier league to cost him his spot in the Nigerian national team.

Troost-Ekong is Gernot Rohr’s favourite centre-back, with the German tactician preferring to partner him with any of Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, and Semi Ajayi.

But with Troost-Ekong joining a Championship side, West Brom’s Ajayi could become Nigeria’s most rated defender in England, reducing the chances of the new Hornets signing with the three-time African champions.

But Troost-Ekong retains no such worries, insisting that his quality and commitment over the years will aid his cause with the national team.

“As for my international future, I have shown what I can add to the Super Eagles. I have consistently contributed to the team’s success in the last five years and have had the pleasure of captaining the team,” he told the BBC.

Watford suffered relegation to the Championship last season, and the club has not hidden their desire to make an instant return to the Premier League.

Coach Vladimir Ivic’s side is one of the strongest in the division and has won two of its three games played, conceding no goals.

The addition of Troost-Ekong is expected to make them even better.

Troost-Ekong, a former Tottenham academy graduate, has previously played in the top divisions in the Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey, before his two-year adventure in Italy.