With just 14 days left before the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers between Nigeria and Guinea‑Bissau, Super Eagles defender William Troost‑Ekong is racing to regain fitness as he resumes individual training, Sports Extra reports. Nigeria’s next two‑legged tie against the Djurtus will determine their place at the AFCON in Ivory Coast next year. The first leg is set for March 24 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with the return match scheduled for March 28 in Morocco.
An Italian outlet, salernonotizie.it, confirmed that the former Udinese player has returned to training but remains unlikely to be available for the tie. The website noted, “First steps out. Let’s gooo… Troost‑Ekong posted a video of happiness, normality, the return to competitive activity on social networks. The defender was injured in Verona with a tibial‑plateau fracture. Today he started running again and could return to the field after the break at the end of March, in time for the away match on April 2 in La Spezia.” The 29‑year‑old suffered the injury during Salernitana’s 1‑0 loss to Hellas Verona last month and was substituted by Norbert Gyömbér seven minutes before full time after it was clear he could not continue.
Troost‑Ekong’s doubtful availability will be a significant blow to Portuguese coach José Peseiro, who is already uncertain about the fitness of Leon Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo. Balogun has not featured for Queens Park Rangers for four months due to a calf injury sustained in November; his last appearance was against Huddersfield Town, where he was replaced at halftime. Omeruo is also a doubt, still recovering from a shoulder injury incurred in January against Albacete.
Nigeria currently sit atop Group A with six points, having beaten Sierra Leone at home and thrashed São Tomé and Príncipe 10‑0 away. Victories in the upcoming double‑header against Guinea‑Bissau will secure the three‑time African champions a ticket to the Ivory Coast tournament next year.
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