Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Photo:
Twitter@TheNFF
Netherlands-born Nigerian defender, Tryonne Ebuehi, is
confident of hitting the ground running after a two-year injury
lay-off he described as a “hard time.”
The 24-year-old joined Benfica from ADO Den Haag after the 2018
World Cup but an injury in June of that year meant he has not
played for the Portuguese side.
“It’s been a long period out and a hard time for me,” the
player, now on loan with Dutch side, FC Twente, told BBC Sport
Africa.
While on the sidelines, he admitted to questioning if he could
ever play the game again and attributed his perseverance to his
friends, family and mental strength.
Ebuehi who missed the entire 2018/2019 season due to the
niggling injury, is, however, thankful to God for the lessons he
learned during his lengthy spell on the treatment table.
Going forward, the defender believes he is now better prepared
to take care of his body and “handle any future injuries” which he
hopes do not occur.
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Missing Eagle
Even though things appeared to be taking shape last season as he
managed seven matches each for Benfica’s B team and the under-23’s,
a muscle injury threw a spanner in the works.
His injury worries did not only mar his performances with his
club side.
The right-back was ignored in the Super Eagles squad that
finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in
Egypt.
For Ebuehi, playing for the Nigerian side is always special
because he has many friends in the national team set up.
“I cannot wait to be a part of the team (Super Eagles) again,”
the former ADO Den Haag star added as he thanked Nigerian fans for
the “amazing and incredible messages” he got from them via social
media.