Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo has showered praises on current captain and CB William Troost-Ekong, for his exceptional leadership.
Ekong has solidified his position as a cornerstone in the Super Eagles’ defence, especially after his outstanding performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Nigerian captain (2R) during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 semi-final football match. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
Leading them to the final, Ekong proved to be both a defensive rock and a “captain fantastic” on the field.
At AFCON 2023, Ekong’s contributions were nothing short of exceptional.
Not only was he a commanding presence at the back, but he also contributed three crucial goals, for the team.
His performances earned him the prestigious MVP award, making him the first Nigerian defender to win AFCON’s Best Player accolade since Christian Chukwu in 1980.
Even when injury sidelined him during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers, his absence was deeply felt, as Nigeria drew with south africa and lost to Benin.
Ekong’s brilliance also saw him equal Joseph Yobo’s seven-goal tally for Nigeria and surpass Stephen Keshi’s AFCON goal record, further cementing his legacy in Nigerian football.
Yobo, who earned 93 caps for the Super Eagles and lifted the AFCON trophy in 2013, highly of Troost-Ekong’s impact on the squad.
He described Ekong’s leadership as “second to none” and praised the defender’s influence both on and off the pitch.
“Congratulations to him, he is a great player but more so a wonderful human being. When you talk about leadership, this guy, for me, without putting anyone down, is one of the best in the team,” Yobo told The Guardian.
The former captain reminisced about seeing Troost-Ekong at the 2016 Rio Olympics, recalling his trademark mohawk.
“I saw him play at the U23s with the mohawk (Brazil 2016 Olympics) then coming into the coaching crew as an assistant (in 2020) got me up close and personal. With my role as a defensive coach, I realised he was a fantastic leader apart from being a player.”
“Leadership doesn’t come to everybody. He is a fantastic leader and I’m happy he’s come back and proved it at the last AFCON; almost leading the team to glory, becoming the player of the tournament.”
A Leader with a Diverse Background
Born in Haarlem, Netherlands, to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, Ekong’s journey to the Super Eagles is one of dedication and determination.
Initially representing the Netherlands at youth level, he later chose to play for Nigeria, the country of his father’s birth.
Since making his debut for Nigeria in 2015, He has earned more than 70 caps and established himself as a key figure in the squad.
William Troost-Ekong challenges for an aerial ball. Photo | IG (ng_supereagles)
His leadership, according to Yobo, is unmatched, with “great communication skills despite his diverse background.”
