William Troost-Ekong: An AFCON 2023 tale for years to come
While the thrills of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) might begin to die off following the conclusion of the tournament on February 11, 2024, some tales however, will never go away, one of which is the heroics of Nigeria’s captain: William Troost-Ekong.
Coming into the tournament, Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles were tipped as one of the favourites for the trophy, considerably due to the side’s star-studded attack force that boasted of the likes of current African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, OGC Nice’s Terem Moffi, Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City and many others.
However, it wasn’t the attack that got Nigeria its plaudits at the AFCON or particularly aided an exciting run to the final. It was the defence led by PAOK centre-back Troost-Ekong.
Troost-Ekong’s impact on the pitch was undeniable from the group stages, leading the Super Eagles’ defence with such authority and solidity that made goalkeeping a little easier for newly selected first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
In all, by the conclusion of their quarterfinal clash with Cameroon, the Super Eagles had conceded just a goal in over 450 minutes of football at AFCON 2023, making Nigeria impenetrable at the tournament.
Even beyond his basic defensive abilities, Troost-Ekong’s leadership qualities were so evident that millions who watched the AFCON 2023 could all attest to him being instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the final.
Attack-wise, Troost-Ekong was so dangerous in set-piece situations that his aerial dominance and timing helped him to score the opening goal in the final against Ivory Coast — before the hosts turned the heat on the Nigerians to score two in the second half and win the game.
Prior to this, he had scored a high-pressure penalty in the group stages to give the Super Eagles a 1–0 win over Ivory Coast, and another in the semi-finals against South Africa.
Captain. Leader. Goalscorer. Little wonder why by the end of the AFCON 2023 final — where Nigeria had lost to the hosts Ivory Coast — CAF’s technical study group looked no further than Troost-Ekong’s side when making their choice for the Player Of The Tournament awardee.