Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has made a successful return from injury, playing the full 90 minutes in Al Kholood’s 2-1 victory over Al Khaleej in the Saudi Arabian league.
The 31 year old defender, who had missed the club’s previous two games due to a minor injury, showed no signs of discomfort and delivered a solid performance at the back.
Ekong’s return comes as a major boost for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles set to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in must win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later this month. As one of the squad’s most experienced players, his leadership and defensive presence will be crucial in Nigeria’s push for qualification.
Editorial
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William Troost-Ekong’s return is exactly what Nigeria needed ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. His absence in the last two games raised concerns, but his 90-minute display for Al Kholood suggests he is back to full fitness.
As Nigeria’s defensive leader, Ekong plays a crucial role in organizing the backline. His performance at AFCON 2023, where he was named MVP of the tournament, proved his reliability under pressure. With the Super Eagles struggling for form in their qualifiers, his presence could provide the stability and leadership needed to turn things around.
However, fitness management will be key. With injuries already affecting Semi Ajayi and Raphael Onyedika, Nigeria cannot afford another setback in defense. If Ekong maintains this form, he will be one of Nigeria’s most important players in the upcoming qualifiers.
Did You Know?
- William Troost-Ekong has captained Nigeria in several major tournaments, including AFCON 2023 and the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
- He was named MVP of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, despite Nigeria finishing as runners-up.
- Ekong has played in top leagues across England, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey, before moving to Saudi Arabia.
- Nigeria currently sits fifth in their World Cup qualifying group, making the upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe must-win games.
- Al Kholood’s 2-1 win over Al Khaleej helped them climb the Saudi Pro League table, with Ekong playing a key role in their defensive setup.
