Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong plays first game for PAOK since 2023 AFCON

Troost-Ekong had not played for PAOK since January 3, but he returned to action on Wednesday

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong returned to action for PAOK for the first time in seven months in the club’s 2-1 win over AEK Larnaca in a friendly game, Soccernet.ng reports.

Troost-Ekong was a regular for PAOK when he was called up to the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 AFCON, but he was not expected to play a major role for the team as was struggling to pin down a starting shirt on the team in previous months.

However, he went on to become an important member of the team, starring prominently in the heart of the defense. He also won the Player of the tournament award, as he registered three goals in the tournament.

Unfortunately for him, he sustained an injury in the course of the tournament and even had to be patched up for the final. After the tournament, Troost-Ekong had to undergo surgery and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

He returned to training at the end of the season, but he was not called up to the Super Eagles squad for the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin last month.

Nonetheless, the 30-year-old defender participated in an exhibition game to launch his foundation in Nigeria.

On Wednesday, Troost-Ekong finally made his return to action for PAOK in their 2-1 win over Larnaca in their first friendly game of the season. The former Watford man started the game, but he did not score. PAOK still have three more friendly games against Hibernian, Genk, and Union Berlin lined up before before start of the league season.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Galatasaray hit with Victor Osimhen blow as Okan Buruk laments missed chances against Ajax

Nigeria international Victor Osimhen will miss Galatasaray’s first playoff game in the UEFA Europa League… Read More

5 minutes ago

Placeholders? Saudi clubs’ Deja vu tricks with Boniface and Osimhen

Saudi Arabian clubs appear to be repeating a familiar pattern in their pursuit of Nigerian… Read More

57 minutes ago

Ajax vs Galatasaray: Victor Osimhen scores again, but toothless Lions lose record in Amsterdam

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was on target for Galatasaray, but his goal was not… Read More

7 hours ago

Super Eagles call-up? Nathan Tella breaks silence on Chelle’s selection

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has expressed his desire to return to the Nigerian national… Read More

12 hours ago

Can Akpom save Van Nistelrooy’s job? Leicester close in on Super Eagles-eligible striker

Leicester City are edging closer to securing the signing of Super Eagles-eligible striker Chuba Akpom… Read More

15 hours ago

Napoli reject first official bid for Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Man United link

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with… Read More

17 hours ago