Troost-Ekong, from Nigeria, helps RS victims and warns: “It will affect…”

The situation in Rio Grande do Sul directly affected Brazilian football players, who are promoting possible assistance to flood victims. Whether with donations or acting on the front line, some athletes from the most popular sport in the world mobilized, but the cause took on international proportions, including the help of a player from the Nigerian national team.

William Paul Troost-Ekongcaptain of Nigeria, is very involved in environmental issues and spoke about the importance of big names speaking on the subject. “I don’t consider myself a superstar. I have a small audience. I am privileged to play for my national team. But I would love Mbappé, Neymar, Haaland or another world player talking more about this topic”he said in an interview with ‘GE’.

Ekong spoke about the perception of athletes who are far from situations like this, which is something that needs to change. “Sometimes we are not so affected because we play in Europe, where the biggest stars are. But when you see what happens in these athletes’ home countries, like Brazil, Africa, and now increasingly everywhere… It’s something that will affect us all.”he stated.

Troost-Ekong is 30 years old and currently defends the PAOK, from Greece. On the last African Cup of Nationsthe defender was voted the best player in the competition, helping the Nigerian team to their runner-up campaign, losing only to Ivory Coast in the big decision.

The Nigerian found out about the tragedy in contact with Brazilians who work at the Greek club, like the formerTaison International. “I want to say that I’m thinking about everyone in Brazil, I’m trying to do my best to help. I think it’s a sign, perhaps a lesson from this terrible situation, that we should think more about the future. We don’t want this to happen again.”he added.