)
William Troost-Ekong's coolness under pressure became a decisive factor in Nigeria and Super Eagles AFCON 2023 run.
Nigeria's journey through the 2023 African Cup of Nations was a rollercoaster ride, but one man's steely nerve and unerring precision from the penalty spot proved a defining factor and highlight - William Troost-Ekong.
In a tournament where the smallest margins are monumental, the Super Eagles defender unexpectedly emerged as his side's go-to guy when it came to high-pressure penalty kicks.
)
18:27 - 04.03.2024
Troost Ekong says what Nigeria should have done to beat Ivory Coast in AFCON final
Super Eagles on-pitch captain William Troost-Ekong talks about Nigeria's shortcoming in the AFCON 2023 final against Cote d'Ivoire.
)
23:08 - 26.02.2024
Troost-Ekong's Surgery Plans Reveal AFCON 2023 MVP Played Through Injury to Help Nigeria Reach Final
According to reports, Troost Ekong will be out of action until the late stages of the current season after undergoing surgery
Troost-Ekong’s Game-Changing Penalties
His heroics began in the crucial group stage clash against Ivory Coast, where Troost-Ekong's cool conversion from 12 yards secured a vital 1-0 victory. It set the tone for what was to come.
The 30-year-old followed that up by burying another all-important penalty against South Africa in the semi-finals before Bafana Bafana forced the game into extra time with a late equaliser.
)
He then displayed ice-cool composure again in the ensuing shootout to book Nigeria's place in the final against Cote d’Ivoire.
While his forward teammates may have expected to be first in line for penalties, Troost-Ekong revealed how he had convinced the coaching staff of his ability from the spot through his training ground displays.
)
"I always enjoyed taking penalties and after training, I always used to take them," the Eagles skipper explained per Watfordobserver.
"But it's hard to convince a manager to let you have a go when there are strikers on the pitch."
)
All that changed for Troost-Ekong at AFCON 2023 as he seized his opportunity to become an unexpected penalty hero for the Super Eagles.
Club Role Beckons?
Having proven his credentials from 12 yards on the international stage, the former Udinese man even received a cheeky text from his club manager at PAOK stating newfound confidence in him as a penalty taker.
)
"I've never taken one in club games," Troost-Ekong admitted. But that seems likely to change given his latest exploits for Nigeria.
Whether it's the semifinal shootout or last-gasp winner against the Ivorians, Troost-Ekong's penchant for delivering when it matters most under intense scrutiny made him a driving force behind the Super Eagles' run to the AFCON final.
With unbending self-belief in his technique, the Dutch-born Nigerian looks set to continue being entrusted with making the high-stakes calls from the spot for club and country when he returns to action after his long lay off.
Related content
)
00:08 - 22.03.2024
African Games: Advantage Ghana as Black Princesses dethrone Nigeria's Falconets in jollof war 1
Ghana U20s came from behind to claim gold after Mukarama wonder strike
)
12:14 - 21.03.2024
Nigeria vs Ghana: Lookman against Kudus and 4 other exciting battles to watch out for
Fierce rivals Ghana and Nigeria will battle for superiority in an international friendly between the two neighbours
)
09:43 - 21.03.2024
Beating Nigeria to win AFCON 2023 was 'destiny' - Ivory Coast star Haller revels in tournament glory
2023 AFCON final goalscorer Sebastien Haller has revealed the teams surprise at being able to lift the trophy on home soil
![Super Eagles Update: Finidi boys ramp up jollof war preparation with sweaty sessions [PHOTOS]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/21032024/ae0c7d06-4881-47da-86df-0ad4c9eb78c8.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
08:52 - 21.03.2024
Super Eagles Update: Finidi boys ramp up jollof war preparation with sweaty sessions [PHOTOS]
A full Nigeria squad united as Finidi George's Super Eagles turn up heat in Marrakech for Ghana and Mali.
)
08:46 - 21.03.2024
We need to raise our level — Super Eagles star Lookman ahead of Ghana clash
Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman has voiced his enthusiasm ahead of Nigeria's friendlies against Ghana and Mali.
)
08:09 - 21.03.2024
Nigeria vs Ghana: 3 things Finidi George must do against Super Eagles noisy neighbours to replace Peseiro permanently
Finidi George is set to audition for the Super Eagles' vacant managerial role when he takes charge of the team against Ghana and Mali.
)
07:39 - 21.03.2024
Representing 200m Nigerians - What does it mean to play for the Super Eagles?
Nigerian football icon opens up on coping with weight of national team expectations in the Super Eagles.
)
18:37 - 20.03.2024
Bright Osayi-Samuel: Super Eagles 'Anthony Joshua' arrives Nigerian camp
'Anthony Joshua' Osayi-Samuel has joined his national teammates at the Super Eagles camp after his Fenerbahce heroics.
)
11:54 - 20.03.2024
"I would love to play for Nigeria"- 26-year-old Hatter ready to dump England for Super Eagles
Hatters hero Elijah Adebayo eyes Super Eagles call after starring Luton displays in the Premier League.
)
06:50 - 20.03.2024
Why Super Eagles striker Awoniyi could be forced out of Nottingham Forest
Nigerian Striker Taiwo Awoniyi could be sold as club seeks to comply with financial rules in the Premier League.
)
04:14 - 20.03.2024
What 'calm' Finidi George said after speaking for the first time as Super Eagles coach
Interim Head Coach of the Super Eagles Finidi George is feeling good and relishing the chance to lead Nigeria against old foes.
)
03:57 - 20.03.2024
A closer look at the 5 key players to watch out in Nigeria vs Ghana's Jollof War
Nigeria and Ghana will renew their famous jollof war rivalry during a friendly match in Morocco.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)