By Amaechi Agbo

Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong began his Champions journey on a high after he made Man Of The Match Debut performance for for his new club Watford on Friday.

The Nigerian centre-back teamed up with the Hornets in September from Serie A club Udinese on a five-year deal.

Ekong, 27-year-old Nigeria international has reacted after making his first appearance for the Hornets at Pride Park

The 27-year-old was permitted to leave the Nigeria national team camp before their 1-1 draw against Tunisia on Tuesday in order to prepare for the Hornets’ game against the Rams yesterday

Troost-Ekong was handed a starting role in the encounter and gave a good account of himself before he was replaced in the 77th minute.

Joao Pedro scored the only goal of the game after he was set up by Ben Wilmot with 14 minutes left to play.

The centre-back made 45 touches, four clearances, won one aerial contest and had an 89% successful pass rate to help his side keep a clean sheet in the encounter. The stats also ensured that he was nominated for the Watford’s Man of the match award but Joao Pedro, who scored the goal against Derby, and Ken Sema could provide unwelcome setback for him.

The Super Eagles vice-captain has now taken to the social media to share his feelings on his first appearance for Watford.

“[I am] happy to make my Watfordf debut tonight with three points and a clean sheet! Well done to the boys! On to the next one on Wednesday,” Troost-Ekong posted on Twitter.

Watford manager Vladimir Ivic has also allayed injury fears of Troost-Ekong and hopes he will be fit enough to feature in their next Championship game against Blackburn Rovers on October 21.

“He [Troost-Ekong] felt something with his hamstring, but we changed him at the right moment and it’s not something dangerous with him, we hope he is okay,” Ivic told the club website.

Troost-Ekong spent two years with Udinese and featured in more than 65 games across all competitions to help the club maintain their Serie A status.

The defender will hope to continue his consistent performances, this time with Watford in the 2020-21 season.

He is expected to make Gernot Rohr’s list for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone on November 13 and 17, 2020.