William Troost-Ekong’s remarkable performance at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has earned him a prestigious accolade at the African Nations Football Awards (ANFA) in Cairo.
The Super Eagles’ captain has undoubtedly sealed his place in Nigerian football history, but what led to his latest recognition?
The award, which honors the top performers from the continental competition, celebrates his standout contributions during the tournament in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year, Footballrover reports.
As the leader of the Super Eagles, Troost-Ekong’s commanding presence on the field guided Nigeria to a runner-up finish.
Troost-Ekong’s exceptional AFCON performance
His three goals and leadership helped secure four clean sheets, showcasing his defensive prowess and offensive threat.
Troost-Ekong’s excellence earned him the coveted Player of the Tournament honor—the first time in over two decades a defender claimed the title.
He also made history by becoming the highest-scoring defender in AFCON’s history with a total of five goals.
Although he was unable to attend the awards ceremony in person due to national team duties, Troost-Ekong received the ANFA Special Award for AFCON Performance 2024 from his friend, Egyptian star Omar Tarek.
The Al Kholood defender expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking Tarek for collecting the honor on his behalf.
“Unfortunately I couldn’t make it; I am in transit, and I will be travelling to join the national team later today, so I couldn’t make it to the ceremony.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone at ANFA Awards, first of all to be nominated, and now, from what I understand, to have won the prize, so it is a big honour for me.
“I have got my dear friend Omar, who is there to receive the prize on my behalf. I wish you a wonderful evening, and hopefully in the coming years, I will be able to attend there in person. Thank you so much, everyone at ANFA Awards.”
With this achievement, Troost-Ekong’s future looks even brighter as he has earned a nomination for the CAF African Footballer of the Year award, where he will compete against some of Africa’s top talents, including Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.
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