Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong believes that competency should take precedence over country or identity when hiring the next national team coach.

Following Jose Peseiro's departure from the Eagles after leading them to the Africa Cup of Nations final in Ivory Coast in February, speculation about the Portuguese ideal successor has heated up, with foreigners Danny Buijs, Domenec Torrent, and Antonio Conceicao, as well as homeboy Emmanuel Amuneke, among the top contenders.

Ekong also praised the success stories of African countries such as Senegal and Ivory Coast under indigenous managers, but warned against underestimating the value that international coaches provide.

The 30-year-old, who was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and a Nigerian father, represented Holland at the U-21 level before switching allegiance to Nigeria. He was first capped by the late Stephen Keshi and has since played for several other local coaches, including Augustine Eguavoen, Samson Siasia, and Sunday Oliseh.
He also worked with foreign coaches like Gernot Rohr and Peseiro.

Speaking with Eagle7fm in an interview on Saturday, the PAOK defender, stated that the Eagles ultimate goal is to win the Africa Cup of Nations and surpass their best feat at the World Cup.

“The ideal situation is for a Nigerian to lead our team,” Ekong said.

“Senegal and Ivory Coast have done well under their own coaches. The coaches already understand the culture and players and can easily relate to the team.

“But you cannot also dismiss a foreign coach. My experience with Rohr was very good, also Peseiro. It (the appointment) should not be based on nationality and identities. We should decide on what is best for team because we want to win the AFCON and go farther at the World Cup.”

Troost-Ekong made his debut for the three-time African champions in a match against Chad on June 13 2015 and has played 71 times for Nigeria scoring seven goals.

Ekong won Olympic football bronze with Nigeria at the 2016 Rio Games, a bronze and silver at the 2019 and 2023 AFCON tournament in Egypt and Ivory Coast respectively.