Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong, who plays for Al Khalood, has opened up about the immense difficulty of winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The former Watford FC player has competed in the tournament three times, securing a bronze and silver medal but has yet to claim the ultimate prize.
“I’ve been there three times now—won bronze, won silver—but I haven’t had the chance to lift the trophy. That remains my ultimate goal because I know how much it means to me and to all the kids growing up in Africa and Nigeria,” Ekong told talkSPORT.
He also emphasized the demanding conditions of the tournament: “We face tough challenges, but over the past three editions, I’ve seen steady improvement. The climate is a major factor, and adapting to it is crucial,” he added.
“For players at any level, winning AFCON is incredibly tough. That’s why top players like Mohamed Salah and others who have won it always talk about how challenging the journey is.”