Troost-Ekong: Nigerian footballers' European success inspiring 'winners' mentality' in the Super Eagles

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has praised the impressive feat of several Nigerian players winning titles across Europe this season.

The 30-year-old, who led the Super Eagles to the final of the AFCON 2023, where he was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, was one of 12 Nigerians to celebrate title wins in Europe this season.

Responding to a question from Pulse Sports Nigeria, the inspirational defender highlighted the growing "winners' mentality" among Nigerian footballers, citing the success of players like Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Nathan Tella.

"Maybe we have seven or eight titles of Nigerian players which is amazing. Someone mentioned that 'if you want to win a title now you need to sign a Nigerian'. So, that is what we all like to hear.”

Troost-Ekong himself lifted the Greek League trophy with PAOK, while Lookman made history by winning the Europa League with Atalanta. 

The duo of Boniface and NTella also claimed the domestic double in Germany with the invincible Bayer Leverkusen side.

"The same way last year we had some fantastic players do amazing things, now it looks like it's going to be an upward trajectory for Nigerian football," Troost-Ekong continued. 

The impressive performances of Nigerian players across Europe have not gone unnoticed, with Troost-Ekong's comments highlighting the growing confidence and winning mentality within the Super Eagles squad.

As Nigeria prepares to continue its quest to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the influx of experienced and successful Nigerian players will undoubtedly bolster its chances of achieving glory on the international stage.