“Fantastic leader” – Ex-Everton captain hails William Troost-Ekong’s excellent Super Eagles career

Former Everton captain and Super Eagles legend Joseph Yobo has heaped praise on William Troost-Ekong, celebrating the Nigerian defender’s leadership qualities and impressive international career, Soccernet.ng reports.

Troost-Ekong has established himself as a key figure in the Super Eagles’ defence and led the team with distinction at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations early this year.

Born in Haarlem, Netherlands, Troost-Ekong initially represented the Dutch youth teams before switching allegiance to Nigeria, where his father was born.

He rose to prominence with Nigeria’s U23 side, helping the team secure a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Since then, the 31-year-old has become a mainstay in the Super Eagles’ defence, featuring in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFCON, where Nigeria also claimed bronze.

Troost-Ekong’s inclusion in the 2023 AFCON squad was initially in doubt, with coach Jose Peseiro considering dropping the defender.

However, the Portuguese tactician reversed his decision, and Troost-Ekong went on to deliver his finest performances in a Nigerian shirt.

As captain, he scored three crucial goals, guiding Nigeria to the final and earning the Player of the Tournament accolade.

His contributions made him the first Nigerian defender to win AFCON’s best player award since Christian Chukwu in 1980. Troost-Ekong also matched Joseph Yobo’s seven-goal tally for Nigeria and surpassed Stephen Keshi’s AFCON goal record.

When asked about Troost-Ekong’s career and leadership qualities, Yobo was full of admiration.

“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.

“I saw him play at the Under-23s 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.”

Reflecting on Troost-Ekong’s leadership, Yobo added:

“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.

“He is a fantastic leader with great communication skills despite his diverse background.”

Still only 31, Troost-Ekong will be eyeing more success as he looks to lead the Super Eagles to the next AFCON in Morocco and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.