Troost-Ekong Says He Tried to Get Canada Striker David to Play for Nigeria
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong said on SuperSport that he personally tried to convince Canada striker Promise David to represent Nigeria instead of his country of birth. David, who was born in Ontario and is of Nigerian descent, had played for Nigeria's U23 team in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania. Because those matches were competitive, he needed FIFA approval to switch allegiance, which he received in February 2025. Now playing for Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, David has made an immediate impact at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, contributing a goal or an assist in both matches he has appeared in off the bench, including scoring in Canada's 2-1 loss to Switzerland. Troost-Ekong praised the forward's quick influence on the tournament. For Nigerian fans, the story highlights the continued loss of eligible talent to other nations despite efforts to engage the diaspora. It matters because Nigeria could have used David's attacking punch in its own World Cup campaign. What should readers know or do? David's switch is now final after FIFA clearance, so future efforts must focus on earlier, stronger engagement with dual-heritage players and stronger incentives to keep talent within the Nigerian football ecosystem.