Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed that he personally tried to persuade Canadian-Nigerian striker Promise David to represent Nigeria before the forward ultimately committed his international future to Canada.
The 24-year-old striker, born in Brampton, Ontario, to Nigerian parents, has emerged as one of the most exciting forwards in North American football. His rapid rise has attracted attention on both sides of the Atlantic, making him one of the most closely watched dual-nationality players in recent years.
Speaking during an interview with SuperSport, Troost-Ekong admitted he made direct efforts to convince David to choose the Super Eagles.
“His rise has been meteoric, and of course, he is of Nigerian descent, so we had a conversation about playing for Nigeria. I tried my best to convince him.”
David’s connection to Nigeria runs deeper than his heritage. He spent part of his childhood in the country and even represented Nigeria’s U-23 side in a competitive Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in 2023. However, after completing the necessary FIFA eligibility process, he switched allegiance to Canada in 2025.
Now playing for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the towering 6ft 5in striker has continued his impressive development. His performances in Belgium earned him a place in Canada’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad despite concerns over a hip tendon injury earlier in the year.
Troost-Ekong also praised the striker’s impact on the international stage.
“He took his chance so well. Coming on, I think that was his first touch, and to score a goal is amazing. For them, it also adds another layer of depth in the attacking third.”
For Nigeria, David’s decision represents another reminder of the growing competition among national teams for dual-eligible players. Countries such as Canada, England, France, Germany, and the United States have increasingly benefited from talents with Nigerian roots.
Canada’s squad currently includes several players of Nigerian heritage, including Tani Oluwaseyi and Owen Goodman, highlighting the country’s growing multicultural talent pool.
While Nigerian supporters may wonder what could have been, David’s emergence also reflects the global influence of Nigerian football talent. The striker’s blend of physicality, mobility, and finishing ability has earned comparisons to Belgian legend Romelu Lukaku, with some observers dubbing him “Baby Lukaku”.
As the international game becomes increasingly competitive in recruiting dual-nationality stars, Troost-Ekong’s revelation offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes efforts national teams undertake to secure top talent.
For Canada, Promise David is becoming a key piece of their future. For Nigeria, he remains one of the most notable talents who slipped through the net in the ongoing battle for international allegiance.
