Super Eagles stars William Troost-Ekong and Odion Ighalo took part in the celebrations for Saudi Arabia’s National Day, proudly embracing the culture of their host nation, Soccernet.ng reports.
Both players, who now ply their trade in Saudi Arabia, were seen donning traditional Arabian attire as they joined the Kingdom in marking this significant occasion.
Troost-Ekong, 31, who recently signed for Saudi Professional League side Al-Kholood for a reported €1.2 million from Greek club PAOK, has quickly immersed himself in the local culture.
The Nigerian defender posted a picture on social media, dressed in full Arabian regalia, captioning it, “Happy Saudi National Day.”
https://twitter.com/WTroostEkong/status/1838169927246602552
His post came days after Al-Kholood secured their first league win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Al-Wehda, where Troost-Ekong faced fellow Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo.
https://twitter.com/SPL_EN/status/1838141258415398921
Ighalo, 35, has been an established figure in Saudi football even before joining Al-Wehda last year.
Known for his prolific goal-scoring ability, the former Manchester United star netted 42 goals in 58 appearances for Al-Hilal before transferring to Al-Wehda, where he continues to thrive.
Ighalo also shared his National Day celebrations with fans, posting a picture on X wearing the traditional Thobe and carrying a Saker Falcon, the Kingdom’s national bird.
https://twitter.com/ighalojude/status/1838205852961980779
Ighalo’s involvement in the festivities further highlights his integration into the culture since his move to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s National Day, which commemorates the renaming of the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz to Saudi Arabia in 1932 by King Abdulaziz ibn Saud, has gained international attention in recent years due to the influx of European football stars into the Saudi Pro League.
https://twitter.com/AlkholoodClub/status/1838169091099529295
Both Troost-Ekong and Ighalo were members of the Super Eagles squad that won a bronze medal at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. Ighalo finished that tournament with five goals to claim the top scorer award.
Troost-Ekong, however, skippered Nigeria to a second-place finish at the AFCON this year.
