Super Eagles captain William Troost Ekong endured a tough debut for Al Kholood as his side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. Ekong, who played the entire match, saw his team concede a late stoppage time winner, dampening what would have been a morale boosting draw.
The 30 year old defender, facing a side featuring World Cup winners Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, stood firm for most of the game until Al Ittihad snatched victory with a goal four minutes into added time.
Ekong recently signed a two year deal with Al Kholood, with an option to extend for another year, marking a new chapter in his football career. Despite the loss, Ekong will hope to bounce back and help his team in the upcoming matches.
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Editorial
As William Troost Ekong embarks on a new adventure with Al Kholood, his debut match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. His move to Saudi Arabia represents more than just a new contract it’s a significant challenge in a league that has seen an influx of top tier talent, including World Cup stars like Benzema and Kante.
For Ekong, this isn’t just a career switch but an opportunity to lead from the front, as he did with the Super Eagles. While his debut ended in a disappointing last minute defeat, it’s important to remember that transitions take time. Playing in a new league comes with its own set of challenges, and for Ekong, facing a powerhouse like Al Ittihad so early on is a trial by fire.
However, we believe in his resilience and leadership qualities. Ekong has proven his worth on many occasions, and this latest setback is merely a stepping stone to better performances. As he continues to integrate into the Saudi Pro League, we are confident that Ekong will find his rhythm, and his experience will be invaluable to Al Kholood’s ambitions.
Did You Know?
- William Troost Ekong has played in five different countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Italy, and England before moving to Saudi Arabia.
- Ekong captained the Nigerian national team during their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
- Before joining Al Kholood, Ekong played for Watford in the English Championship.
- Al Ittihad, Ekong’s first opponents in Saudi Arabia, are one of the most successful clubs in the country, with multiple league titles to their name.
- Ekong has a degree in International Relations from the University of Essex, which he pursued alongside his football career.
