Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong has been honoured by the Akwa Ibom State government, following his remarkable performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
The Nigeria international was hosted to a reception by the state governor, Umo Eno at the government house in Uyo on Thursday, February 15.
Troost-Ekong, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, scored three goals for the Super Eagles and was named Player of the Tournament.
The 30-year-old was also included in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Team of the Tournament. The Super Eagles captain scored a powerful header in the final as Nigeria lost 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire.
He is the highest-scoring defender in the competition, scoring three goals as Nigeria made the AFCON final for the first time since 2013.
Troost-Ekong presented a Super Eagles jersey to Governor Eno during a reception at as a token of appreciation for the stateโs unwavering support and encouragement. He earlier visited Senate President, Godswill Akpabio at his office in Abuja.
Meanwhile, at the AFCON, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams was adjudged the best goalkeeper in the tournament. The Mamelodi Sundown shot-stopper saved four penalties in a quarter-final against Cape Verde.
Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue finished as the competition’s top goal scorer with five strikes despite crashing out in the second round. Gelson Dala of Angola and Egypt’s Mostafa Mohamed won the silver and bronze boots, respectively.
22-year-old Simon Adingra was also named best young player of the tournament. He provided two assists in the final match. Emerse Faรฉ, the interim coach of Cote d’Ivoire, was also named the best coach in the tournament.
