It always feels great to make a competitive debut especially for a club in the English Premier League. After a roller coaster journey around Europe, Nigeria defender, William Troost-Ekong marked his first appearance for Watford in their EPL opener against Aston Villa on Saturday, August 14 at the Vicarage Road.
Troost-Ekong has taken a roundabout route to making his long awaited dream come true through an eight years of football in Holland, Belgium, Norway, Turkey, and Italy.
During those moments, Troost-Ekong helped Dordrecht secure promotion to the Dutch top flight, represented Holland at under 19 and under 20 levels and as well as making his international debut for Nigeria.
He played at the Africa Cup of Nations, won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Rio, and competed at the World Cup in 2018.
That notwithstanding his dream of playing in the Premier League remained out of reach. The time came for him to sign with Watford in September 2020 and finally playing in the right country to realise his ambitions.
Troost-Ekong played pivotal role to the Hornets’ promotion campaign last season.
Watford put three goals past Aston Villa who replied twice at the Vicarage road with the African contingent in high display.
Troost-Ekong tweeted after the Hornets’ victory and first three points of the season.
Nigeria international, Emmanuel Dennis fired Watford into the lead with just 10 minutes played followed by Senegal international, Ismaila Sarr’s second on the 42nd minute.
Back from recess, Juan Hernandez made the score line 3-0 for the newly promoted side before John McGinn’s 70th minute and Danny Ing’s added time penalty pegged the final game at 3-2 for Watford.