William Troost-Ekong, the captain of the Super Eagles and the recipient of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, expressed that he would have gladly exchanged his individual accolade for the gold medal and the AFCON trophy.
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This statement highlights his selflessness and his desire for team success over personal recognition. It is worth noting that just six months ago, Troost-Ekong contemplated retiring from international football due to disagreements with coach José Peseiro.
The strained relationship between the two resulted in a period of silence and reflection for Troost-Ekong, during which he considered quitting.
However, with the support of his close circle, he decided to continue playing for the national team.
Troost-Ekong’s journey from contemplating retirement to leading the Nigerian team to the final of the AFCON is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Despite the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Troost-Ekong took on the responsibility of rallying his teammates and guiding them through the tournament.
His concerns about his treatment by coach Peseiro added to the challenges he faced. However, he managed to overcome these obstacles and inspire his team to reach the final.
What makes Troost-Ekong’s achievements even more remarkable is the fact that he played most of the tournament with a hamstring injury.
He revealed that he had torn his bicep femoris, which is the outer part of the hamstring, during the second group stage game against Ivory Coast.
Despite the pain and limited training, he pushed through and continued to play, relying on a combination of painkillers and adrenaline during matches.
However, the day after each game, the toll of his injury became evident as he struggled to walk.
This injury has effectively ended his season, but it is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the team that he played through the pain and gave his all for Nigeria.
