Afrigather It’s excellent news for Nigeria as William Troost-Ekong has returned to full coaching at Greek membership aspect PAOK Saloniki, months after present process surgical procedure, experiences Soccernet.ng.
The 30-year-old underwent surgery days after his Participant of the Match efficiency on the Africa Cup of Nations in January, the place Nigeria completed as runners as much as the hosts.
Ekong performed via ache after he ruptured the biceps femoris in his proper leg from the second sport in opposition to Cote d’Ivoire. However he delivered an intensive and gritty efficiency the place he scored three targets as he led Nigeria to the ultimate.
What occurred to Ekong?
He was instantly sidelined after the Afcon as he required minor surgical procedure in Finland. The defender took his time to recuperate in London earlier than returning to Thessaloniki the place he granted viewers to Soccernet in a wide-ranging interview.
He instructed Soccernet how he overcame the percentages to play the match of his life to emerge as the selection of the technical group because the match’s MVP.
“I used to be very pushed, much more than earlier than,” Ekong said. “I at all times appear to do finest once I’ve received my again in opposition to the wall. And I didn’t look again.”
Greek title run in
Soccernet can completely reveal that Ekong is anticipated to be chosen within the match day squads for the three remaining championship play-off matches of the Greek Tremendous League, as PAOK chase AEK for the title.
PAOK sit second place on 71 factors, 4 behind AEK, as they welcome each Olympiakos on Sunday and Panathinaikos on Wednesday earlier than taking part in their remaining sport at native rivals Aris within the Thessaloniki derby.
This could give Ekong enough match fitness forward of the summer time break the place he’s anticipated to return to the Tremendous Eagles as they hope to get their World Cup qualifying marketing campaign again in good stead below new nationwide group supervisor, Finidi George.
Ekong had excessive reward for the brand new supervisor who he grew up watching at Ajax in our recent interview:
“He’s at all times very humble, too humble for what he has achieved. Everybody acknowledges the work he did for Enyimba final yr when he received the league. So, for him to now get the prospect to be the interim head coach [now the full-time head coach], I’m very glad to see that. He’s an important man.”
Nigeria will face South Africa and Benin Republic in two key matches that may decide their probabilities at reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
They drew their first two matches 1-1 in opposition to Lesotho and Zimbabwe in Group C.
“He’s too humble for what he has achieved.”
William Troost Ekong once I requested about Finidi George as supervisor of Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles.
What do you assume? @soccernet_ng pic.twitter.com/WXzbbLTyUj
— Lolade Adewuyi (@Jololade) May 7, 2024
Giving again to the society
Ekong will launch his charity basis in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital on June 2, with a novelty match involving a number of soccer legends and entertainers.
He instructed Soccernet that he desires to present again to the society with the intention to encourage the following era. He plans to construct a college amongst many different tasks that may come to life by way of the inspiration.
“The largest factor for me is to create alternative. I actually wish to make a mark. I feel I’m blessed. I’m very fortunate. And I really feel it could be a wasted alternative if I didn’t use my voice now and among the affect that I’ve to actually do one thing again house,” Ekong said.
Lolade Adewuyi
Lolade Adewuyi is a author and journalist who has coated 4 FIFA World Cups, a Confederations Cup and two AFCONS. He’s the Managing Editor of Soccernet Media Restricted. E mail: lolade at soccernet.com.ng
