“I think maybe we were a little underestimated defensively.” This euphemism from William Troost-Ekong at the start of CAN 2024 sums up Nigeria's journey in the competition well. Overshadowed by the Fantastic 4 who lead the Super Eagles attack, the defense is the strong point of this team.

Nigeria even has the best defense of the four semi-finalists, with only one goal conceded during the competition. “We have the most exciting attack in Africa. It’s no surprise, but I also know what our defenders can do,” captain Troost Ekong explained to AFP before the third group match (victory against Guinea-Bissau 1-0).

Read alsoThe program for the CAN 2024 semi-finals

“I think this is perhaps the best Nigerian team I have played in, with all due respect to the legends who have worn this jersey,” adds Troost-Ekong (69 caps, 5 goals). However, this is the 16th time in their history that the Nigerians are in the semi-finals of an African Cup of Nations (in 20 appearances), equaling Egypt's record (26 appearances).

Oranje or Super Eagle?

If he knows the history of Nigerian football well, Troost-Ekong could also have played with the… Dutch selection! Born in Haarlem, Netherlands 30 years ago, he grew up in Amsterdam, then in London, attending boarding school from the age of 12. The defender then trained at Fulham and then Tottenham, in England.

But he returned every summer for vacation to the country of his father, a businessman in Lagos. “I really feel at home there,” he insists.

LESS TALK MORE ACTION 🇳🇬


ONE STEP CLOSER 🇳🇬#AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/j2QCXp6Fc6

— William Troost-Ekong (@WTroostEkong) February 2, 2024

“I also dreamed of playing for the Dutch national team,” he admits. "When Stephen Keshi (coach in 2015) called me (...) I was a little surprised that he asked me to play for Nigeria. I didn't have to think twice."

"I think I said yes before I even thought about anything or asked anyone because it seemed like the right decision, and I've never looked back since," the defender continues.

Intelligence and leadership

Gernot Rohr, who held the reins of the Nigerian selection between 2016 and 2021, is full of praise for the defender: “He has a tactical impact on the others given his intelligence,” he explains to the 'AFP.

“William replaces his teammates, he knows how to enforce the offside line, to bring the defense up... In addition, he has an excellent shot, a quality long game, and an above-average aerial game” , completes the Franco-German technician.

Troost-Ekong "has real leadership, he is listened to, while remaining in his place", says Gernot Rohr, current coach of Benin and present at the CAN as a consultant.

Off the field, Troost-Ekong uses his leadership to benefit ecology, a fight that is particularly close to his heart.

"I have three children under the age of five (...). I want to leave the planet in a better state for them and future generations, whether by thinking about the car I drive, the way I use energy at home or in the way I raise awareness among others through my platform as a player,” he says on the website of Fifpro, the international players’ union.

Carbon footprint and recyclable crampons

After playing in the Dutch, Belgian, Norwegian and Turkish championships, the player settled in England, at Watford, from 2020 to 2023. When he was transferred to Salernitana, in Italy, a year ago, he decided to make your trip carbon neutral. "We calculated that I had accumulated a total carbon footprint of just under a tonne, which we offset by planting trees through the Alberami organization. I visited a farm in Torano Castello , about two hours from Salerno, to plant an olive tree and learn about the impact of climate change on the earth."

Read alsoQatar: behind “carbon neutrality”, the greenwashing World Cup

Same thing six months later when he was transferred to Greece, to PAOK Salonika, where he was looking for a project to offset 1.5 tonnes of carbon footprint. He also calls for international football authorities to take into account the impact on the environment when players travel and transfers.

Another detail - which is not one - at the CAN, he is the first player to play on the international scene with recyclable shoes and crampons. He participated in their creation with the equipment manufacturer Sokito: they are made from corn, bamboo and sugar cane residue. Now two of his teammates in Nigeria also wear them, Chidozie Awaziem and Ola Aina.

These eco-friendly 100% recyclable boots have made their debut at #AFCON2023 and we are here for it! 👟⚽️



Nigerian captain @WTroostEkong is the first to wear these boots on an international scale in the hope of improving the climate for younger generations. pic.twitter.com/mHumxbCkZD

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) February 2, 2024

“Just one player wearing recyclable shoes might not make a big difference, but raising awareness for this cause could have a truly wonderful ripple effect.”

And what if this shoe, which scored a penalty against Ivory Coast in the first round, stands out with a new decisive gesture in the semi-final!

With AFP

Also read: Nigeria, DR Congo, Ivory Coast and South Africa: a throne for four at CAN 2024

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