Super Eagles assistant captain William Troost-Ekong recently received a prestigious award from the African Nations Football Awards ANFA in recognition of his exceptional performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON held in Ivory Coast. Troost Ekong, a Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate and current player for Al Kholood in Saudi Arabia, was not able to attend the ceremony in Cairo due to national team commitments, so his friend Omar Tarek accepted the award on his behalf.
At the AFCON, Troost-Ekong’s defensive skills and leadership proved instrumental for Nigeria, earning him the TotalEnergies Best Player title and a spot on the Team of the Tournament. His contributions included scoring three goals, with two from penalty kicks and a decisive header in the final match against Ivory Coast, making him Nigeria’s highest-scoring defender in AFCON history with five goals across three tournaments.
In a video message shared during the awards ceremony, Troost-Ekong expressed gratitude to the ANFA organizers, saying, “I want to say a big thank you to everyone at ANFA Awards. It is a big honour for me.” He hopes to attend the ceremony in person in future years.
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Editorial
William Troost-Ekong’s recognition at the African Nations Football Awards highlights the importance of dedication, resilience, and commitment. In a competition where individual brilliance meets team cohesion, Troost-Ekong showcased both his skill as a defender and his readiness to contribute to Nigeria’s success by stepping up in critical moments, including scoring goals in crucial matches. His achievement underscores the invaluable impact of experienced players in guiding teams through high-stakes tournaments.
This recognition also speaks volumes about the talent emerging from Nigerian football. Troost-Ekong’s journey, from his roots in the Tottenham Hotspur academy to international recognition, serves as inspiration for young Nigerian players aspiring to achieve greatness. His contributions at AFCON remind us of the level of skill and dedication that can uplift entire teams, reflecting the broader potential within Nigerian football.
As fans, we look forward to seeing how Troost-Ekong and other Super Eagles veterans will continue to lead, inspire, and deliver, both for Nigeria and in their respective leagues. With each accolade, Troost-Ekong strengthens his legacy, and his success serves as a symbol of pride for Nigerian football on the continental stage.
Did You Know?
- William Troost-Ekong has played for clubs in several countries, including England, the Netherlands, Turkey, Italy, and Saudi Arabia.
- Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands but chose to represent Nigeria internationally, making his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015.
- The Africa Cup of Nations AFCON is one of the most-watched football tournaments worldwide, with millions of fans tuning in from across the globe.
- Troost-Ekong scored his first AFCON goal during the 2019 tournament, where he helped Nigeria secure a third-place finish.
- Nigeria has won the AFCON three times in 1980, 1994, and 2013 and remains one of the tournament’s most successful teams.
