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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.
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Super Eagles on-pitch captain William Troost-Ekong talks about Nigeria's shortcoming in the AFCON 2023 final against Cote d'Ivoire.
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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.
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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.
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"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."
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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.
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"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.
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