Good news for Nigerians as Soccernet.ng reports that William Troost-Ekong has resumed full training with Greek club PAOK Saloniki after undergoing surgery months earlier.
Following his Player of the Tournament win at the January Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria placed second to the host nation, the 30-year-old underwent surgery. Despite rupturing his biceps femoris in his right leg during the second game against Cote d'Ivoire, Ekong continued to play, leading Nigeria to the championship game with a relentless performance, scoring three goals.
How is Ekong doing lately? Following the Afcon, he underwent minor surgery in Finland, resulting in his immediate sidelining. After recovering in London, he returned to Thessaloniki and participated in an extensive interview with Soccernet.
He spoke about overcoming obstacles to play in the tournament of his life and winning the technical team's MVP award. Ekong remarked, "I was even more driven than before. I seem to perform at my best when I'm up against a wall."
In exclusive disclosure, Soccernet revealed that Ekong is expected to be included in the match-day rosters for PAOK's three Greek Super League championship play-off games. With PAOK in second place with four points more than AEK, they will host Olympiakos and Panathinaikos before the final game against local rivals Aris.
Before the summer break, Ekong aims to regain match fitness and rejoin the Super Eagles under new national team manager Finidi George. In his recent interview, Ekong expressed admiration for George's humility and achievements at Ajax, where he grew up watching him.
Nigeria faces crucial games against South Africa and Benin Republic in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Having drawn their opening two games 1-1 with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in Group C, these upcoming matches are pivotal.