‘We don’t look at where the coach is from’ - Troost-Ekong speaks on foreign and local coach

The NFF has appointed Austin Eguavoen as the Super Eagles interim coach for the AFCON qualifiers.

The Federation failed to bring in a new head coach after Finidi George tendered his resignation letter in June.

The NFF tried negotiating a deal to bring German tactician Bruno Labbadia but could not agree terms for the foreign coach.

Ekong has claimed that he would prefer a local coach to lead the Super Eagles team instead of a foreign coach.

The Super Eagles captain stated during the pregame press conference, “I don’t think we look at where the coach is from, but I’ve always said it, having a coach from Nigeria is an advantage. 

“Someone who has been in our shoes and walked the path we’re in, and that adds experience to us. 

“Eventually the responsibility lies on us (players), because the coach can prepare us but when the game starts, there are no guarantees. 

“We can’t say we’ll win or lose. We can only guarantee a performance that we’ll be proud of, and that Nigerians deserve.”

Ekong has represented his country under several national team coaches, both foreign and domestic.

Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong has said that he isn't worried by the idea of playing against former coach Gernot Rohr.

He claimed that the team is ready for the game and well-prepared to face former head coach Gernot Rohr.