Juanmike:
But you never make am.

U nor get sence

Pull down syndrome!

When you're at a very important position where others are beneath you and look up to you, never utter words that could demoralize those among them who you estimated are not measuring up. Rather, help build them with words that will stir them up.

Troost Ekong has an indomitable spirit else he could have changed his dream. Many have fallen by the way sure to pursue other leads as a result of harsh criticism.

You may want to argue he hasn't gotten to his eldorado in football, but satisfaction can be a personal thing at times. The lad is happy and even grateful for what he has been able to achieve so far on and off the field.

But have you made it?

Why not wait till you make it before drawing unnecessary attention to yourself?

Las las na God have the final say...man no be God

Thank God u HV made it..I hope d coach is seeing u with national team Jersey

Englandboy:
Most of those coach are racist

Wow! Person no fit get opinion again without racism accusations.
Try help yoursef and stop blaming race.

FuckDModz:
But have you made it?

Why not wait till you make it before drawing unnecessary attention to yourself?

He made it. Read the article again.

He is a starter in the elite division in England, he was a starter at the same level in Italy, and a national team starter for Nigeria.

There are only 220 professional footballers from all over the world starting out on matchday in the EPL. That's a tiny fraction of people that passed through football academy.

The coach was

joedave:
Pull down syndrome!

When you're at a very important position where others are beneath you and look up to you, never utter words that could demoralize those among them who you estimated are not measuring up. Rather, help build them with words that will stir them up.

Troost Ekong has an indomitable spirit else he could have changed his dream. Many have fallen by the way sure to pursue other leads as a result of harsh criticism.

You may want to argue he hasn't gotten to his eldorado in football, but satisfaction can be a personal thing at times. The lad is happy and even grateful for what he has been able to achieve so far on and off the field.

To be fair, the coach's words need to be taken into context. In the European world, there are alternative options to football, so if a child seems genuinely unlikely to make it, it is fair for the coach to let the parents know so that ehy can consider alternative or back up plans.

Besides, it is obvious that Ekong is not really talented at football. As a defender, he has no special attributes - not great in the air, not fast, not particularly strong in the tackle. He's an average player but seems to be intelligent - he would have had a great career in another field, whereas he is just a mediocre footballer.

Case in point:

Oliver Gill, son of one-time Manchester United executive, David Gill, voluntarily opted out of Man United while at the U 23 stage, because he realized he would never be a top footballer. He is now a top business executive.

It's obviously down to everyone to choose their path but the coach cannot be faulted for his honesty.

xeratech:
Just like nairaland gay men said I will not make it as a programmer if I don't join their homosexual team

One of them is the owner of schoolgate academy Ademola, patlex and Akintudei Olanyiyii the homos

But I dey use their head dey play ping pong because I have superior mental power

Imagine their audacity

FuckDModz:
But have you made it?

Why not wait till you make it before drawing unnecessary attention to yourself?

He is known as a professional footballer... So he has made it n earning from it.

He’s really not that good joor
See as dem dey wire Watford back to back
Omo most footballers dis days na jst grace and luck
Not too many skilful footy’s these days

Your former coach has honours and has lifted trophies.

We the fans have never seen you lift a trophy.

We want to see you lift trophies before you start talking about all these throwback stories of yours.

ObaKlaz:
Yo, Troost! That was way too harsh from the sadistic, son of bih coach.
But I'mma keep it real with you, homey - you've gotta up your game, still.

Yeah sure, that's real bro. And am sure he also knows that.

Englandboy:
Most of those coach are racist

No, they are like most Nigerian lecturers..

No mind him

The coach is not right but he's not wrong either.

And now we don't even know anything about the coach.....cos he never made it as a coach.

The man could have been a little harsh but truth be told ...willy isn't really the kinda defender i fancy...

Still a bang average footballer sounding like prime Alexandro Nesta.

See person wey use small tng pass dat clown maguire

Thank God you ended up disgracing the son of bitch called coach.

I'm very sure he must be one of those pretending racist bitch dream killers.

But na true him talk

If you surround yourself with people who always tell you that you are good in your current state.
You might not have the motivation to be better than you currently are.

Englandboy:
Most of those coach are racist

jumping to conclusion, you even dont know if the coach race

No mind the yeye coach. Na to play for team bigger than Watford remain.

For those feather-brained guys casting aspersions on him , what he earns a week in the poorly rated Watford, you've not seen or earned it your entire life.

Stop hiding behind tiny screens to talk down on people that God has blessed

All thanks to the coach for making you become what you are today

KosiGee:


I didn’t see any racism there. The youth coach in my opinion said what he said based on Ekong’s performances at the academy. I don’t think there was any personal issues between them.
Some boys need such asperity to shape up. Ekong revealed that after the coach said that, he reflected and told himself that he needed to sort himself out. His hard work paid off eventually but if you really want to have an idea of how the coach felt and what he saw that made him drop those words…..

Pls watch Troost Ekong playing for Watford against Liverpool.

That coach should be celebrated. His words made Ekong.

Watford vs Liverpool. Which season?