Former Everton captain and Tremendous Eagles legend Joseph Yobo has heaped reward on William Troost-Ekong, celebrating the Nigerian defender’s management qualities and spectacular worldwide profession, Soccernet.ng reviews.
Troost-Ekong has established himself as a key determine within the Tremendous Eagles’ defence and led the staff with distinction on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations early this yr.
Born in Haarlem, Netherlands, Troost-Ekong initially represented the Dutch youth groups earlier than switching allegiance to Nigeria, the place his father was born.
He rose to prominence with Nigeria’s U23 aspect, serving to the staff safe a bronze medal on the Rio 2016 Olympics. Since then, the 31-year-old has turn into a mainstay within the Tremendous Eagles’ defence, that includes within the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFCON, the place Nigeria additionally claimed bronze.
Troost-Ekong’s inclusion within the 2023 AFCON squad was initially doubtful, with coach Jose Peseiro contemplating dropping the defender.
Nonetheless, the Portuguese tactician reversed his choice, and Troost-Ekong went on to ship his best performances in a Nigerian shirt.
As captain, he scored three essential targets, guiding Nigeria to the ultimate and incomes the Participant of the Event accolade.
His contributions made him the primary Nigerian defender to win AFCON’s finest participant award since Christian Chukwu in 1980. Troost-Ekong additionally matched Joseph Yobo’s seven-goal tally for Nigeria and surpassed Stephen Keshi’s AFCON objective file.
When requested about Troost-Ekong’s profession and management qualities, Yobo was stuffed with admiration.
“Congratulations to him, he is a superb participant however extra so a beautiful human being. While you discuss management, this man, for me, with out placing anybody down, is without doubt one of the finest within the staff,” Yobo instructed The Guardian.
“I noticed him play on the Underneath-23s with the mohawk (Brazil 2016 Olympics) then coming into the teaching crew as an assistant (in 2020) received me up shut and private.
With my position as a defensive coach, I realised he was a incredible chief other than being a participant.”
Reflecting on Troost-Ekong’s management, Yobo added:
“Management doesn’t come to everyone. He’s a incredible chief and I’m blissful he’s come again and proved it on the final AFCON; nearly main the staff to glory, changing into the participant of the match.
“He’s a incredible chief with nice communication expertise regardless of his numerous background.”
Nonetheless solely 31, Troost-Ekong will probably be eyeing extra success as he appears to be like to guide the Tremendous Eagles to the subsequent AFCON in Morocco and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.