Revealed: What Ekong Said About The Late Stephen Keshi

The Udinese star made his international debut under the former Super Eagles captain, but he never got the chance to spend more time with him

Super Eagles Vice-Captain, William Troost Ekong, has sung the praises of former Super Eagles manager, Stephen Keshi, even though he only had one training camp with him. Keshi gave Ekong his Super Eagles debut in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad in 2015.

However, the two never got the chance to work together for a longer period as Keshi left his post as Nigeria’s manager after the clash.

A year later, the ‘Big boss’ as he was famously called passed away after suffering a heart attack. But despite Keshi’s sad passing, Ekong has gone on to become a mainstay in the Super Eagles squad.

The 26-year-old is currently the team’s assistant captain and has made 39 appearances in a Nigerian jersey.

Nonetheless, all of it would have been impossible if not for Keshi, according to Ekong. The Udinese star spoke fondly of Keshi in an Instagram live session with the Super Eagles account.

“My debut in the Super Eagles was against Chad in Kaduna,” Ekong said. I was called up by Keshi a few weeks before, and our camp was in Abuja.

He told me he wanted me to train with the squad, be part of the team. I was not expecting to play and was surprised when later I was told I was in the team.

It was sad that I only had one camp with Keshi. I had a bit of contact with him after, thanking him for the experience.

“We could see that he was very gentle but strict on the pitch with players.”  Obviously older players had more experiences with him. The one camp I had with him was really nice.

“I am thankful for the chance he gave me, Ekong added.