William Troost-Ekong Confirms His Fitness Status Ahead Of Surgery

Super Eagles’ vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong, revealed that he is nursing an injury sustained during the 2023 AFCON tournament.

Troost-Ekong’s outstanding performance at the 2023 AFCON earned him the title of the tournament’s best player, scoring three goals and contributing to Nigeria’s clean sheets in seven games.

However, the 30-year-old defender from Greek club PAOK suffered a significant setback during the tournament’s final against Ivory Coast on February 11, where he incurred a ruptured biceps femoris in his right leg. Despite the injury, he persevered throughout the match, which ended with Nigeria’s defeat by the hosts, Ivory Coast, with a score of 2-1.

Earlier in the 2023 AFCON group stage, Troost-Ekong had already encountered a hamstring injury, causing him to miss Nigeria’s match against Guinea-Bissau.

Although he participated in subsequent games, Troost-Ekong’s injury resurfaced during the final, leading to the need for surgery. The recovery process is anticipated to take three to six months, sidelining him from football activities for an extended period.

Expressing his disappointment, Troost-Ekong emphasized the necessity of prioritizing his long-term well-being. His dedication to the game and desire to contribute to PAOK’s success remain unwavering, despite the setback.

Considering the duration of Troost-Ekong’s absence due to an injury sustained in an international tournament, PAOK has the option to seek compensation from FIFA, as per the regulations set forth by the global football governing body.