William Troost-Ekong: Leader par excellence- A moment to applaud an icon, quintessential figure in modern Super Eagles team

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On Sunday night, William Troost-Ekong scored the opening goal in the 2-1 loss against the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the final of the recently concluded 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

He bagged his third goal of the tournament (fifth overall), albeit, that wasn’t enough as the Super Eagles of Nigeria settled for second place following goals from Ivory Coast’s Frank Kessie and Sebastian Haller.

The Ivorians wanted it more; they had the home advantage- fans, desire, grit and most importantly, the heart to mettle towards excellence. Deservedly, the Ivorians who finished 3rd in a group that also had Nigeria at the commencement of the tournament, they found a way to emerge winners of the competition in the end.

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The Ivorians worked collectively to attain their recent achievement, as for Nigeria, they had William Troost-Ekong, a leader par excellence. Unfortunately, some members of the Nigerian squad were quite apathetic throughout the night (names withheld).

It will take a minute for Nigerians to put the recent defeat behind them, albeit, one man’s performance is a light that breaks through the darkness and gloominess looming across the nation.

Bagging three goals in the tournament, Ekong was nothing short of spectacular. This explains why he won the award for the “player of the tournament “ and included in the team of the tournament.

Additionally, Ekong was at the heart of Super Eagles defence alongside Calvin Bassey and sensational goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali who is Nigeria’s breakout player of the tournament.

It is important to note that the Super Eagles of Nigeria went four matches without conceding a goal. This is courtesy of Ekong’s discipline and leadership skill.

Always maintaining a calm demeanor, Troost-Ekong scored his first of the tournament in the 1-0 win against the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the second group match in Group A.

He slotted the ball into the net from the penalty spot.

He didn’t score again until the semifinals clash against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. Ekong didn’t stop there, he went on to lead his team to a 4-2 win on penalties.

Unfortunately, on Sunday night, Ekong and the Super Eagles of Nigeria did not emerge successful after he headed home in the 38th minute of the clash against the Elephants of Ivory Coast.

Despite taking the lead in the first half, Ivory Coast emerged victors of the clash. Nigeria wasn’t going to win their 4th AFCON title just yet.

Though Ekong desired to lead the Super Eagles of Nigeria to gold, he was unable to achieve his aim and objective. Across social media platforms and on the streets of Nigeria, Ekong has been applauded as an inspirational figure for admonishing his colleagues to mettle towards excellence.

At the age of 30, Ekong is expected to still the Super Eagles of Nigeria to many major tournaments in the coming years. He is an influential figure that the men’s national team hasn’t had in over a decade.

He had a great time playing at the 2023 AFCON tournament, this explains why he is undoubtedly the player of the tournament.