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All you need to know about Nigeria and Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong.
William Troost-Ekong is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a central defender for current Greek champions PAOK Thessaloniki and the Nigeria national team, the Super Eagles.
The Dutch-born Nigerian defender, Troost-Ekong, is one half of the famous “oyinbo wall” that rose to become a formidable center-back partnership for the Super Eagles for years.
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08:42 - 04.07.2024
Oya Now - AFCON 2023 MVP Troost-Ekong back in action after Finidi George snubbed him as Super Eagles boss
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and PAOK are off the mark with preparations for next season.
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Troost-Ekong’s Profile
William Paul Troost-Ekong was born on September 1, 1993, in Haarlem, Netherlands. He holds dual Dutch and Nigerian citizenship, as his father is Nigerian and his mother is Dutch, which made him eligible to play for both countries. .
Troost-Ekong grew up in a multicultural environment, which has undoubtedly influenced his worldview and playing style.
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Height: 6ft 3’’ (1.91m)
Preferred Foot: Right
Troost-Ekong’s Education: The defender attended secondary school at the Hockerill Anglo-European College in Bishop Stortford in England
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Troost-Ekong’s Career
Troost-Ekong began his professional career with Dutch club FC Groningen in 2013, where he made his senior debut, although he only managed just two appearances for the club.
In 2014, he moved FC Dordrecht after stints in England with Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham youth teams, gaining valuable experience in the Premier League's youth setup.
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After his time with Dordrecht, Troost-Ekong transferred to Norwegian side FK Haugesund where he spent just one season before being on the move again, this time to Belgium where he starred for Gent.
Turkish club Bursaspor came calling in 2017, where he quickly established himself as a key player. His impressive performances caught the attention of Italian club Udinese, who signed him in 2018.
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At Udinese, Troost-Ekong continued to excel, becoming a vital part of the team's defense. His solid performances and leadership qualities on the pitch earned him a move to Premier League club Watford in 2020, where he spent three good seasons after he established himself as a key member of the squad.
IN 2023, the Super Eagles defender would return to Serie A on loan at Salernitana where he struggled for game time before joining PAOK in the summer of 2023.
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Troost-Ekong’s International Career
While he played for the Netherlands at youth levels, the defender made the decision to play for the country of his father and made his debut in 2015 in AFCON encounter against Chad Republic.
After a shaky start in the Super Eagles, Troost-Ekong was chosen to represent his country at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil, where he helped the Dream Team to the silver medal under the guidance of coach Samson Siasia.
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He would add to that accolade with a spot in the Super Eagles team that represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and also played a crucial role in the team's performances at the Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria win the bronze medal in 2019.
Troost-Ekong's international experience and his ability to thrive in different league environments have made him a highly regarded player in the global football community.
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And in 2023, against all odds and playing through pain barrier, the super defender was named the Most Valuable Player as Nigeria’s Super Eagles made it to the final of the AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire.
Troost-Ekong now boast of 71 caps for the Nigeria Super Eagles since his debut almost a decade ago.
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Troost-Ekong’s Age, Wife and Family
As of 2024, William Troost-Ekong is 30 years old and married with kids. He married to his long-time girlfriend,Molly, back in 2021 and the couple has two kids, a daughter named Zara, who was born in 2019 and son, Oscar.
Troost-Ekong was born ny Paul Ekong, his Nigerian father, and Eleanor Troost-Ekong, his Dutch mother and he has two siblings, Emilly and Everest
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Troost-Ekong’s Achievements
Throughout his career, Troost-Ekong has achieved several notable accomplishments:
He started off with a silver medal with the Dream Team at the Rio 2016 Olympics, won bronze medal with the Nigerian national team at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and has upgraded that to silver medal at AFCON 2023.
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Troost-Ekong has also represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, helped Udinese secure a mid-table finish in Serie A during his time with the club before winning the Greek Premier League with PAOK in 2023/2024.
Troost-Ekong has scored five goals at the AFCON and holds the record for the highest number of goals scored by a defender in the history of the competition.
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He scored three goals at the 2023 AFCON, after scoring one each in the 2019 and 2021 editions of the tournament
Net Worth and How Rich Troost-Ekong is in 2024
Troost-Ekong earns close to £1 million every year playing for his current club, Greek side and champions PAOK.
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This translates to about £16,000 per week in his current contract that lasts until 2026. His current net worth is placed at £4,877,600 according to multiple sources, with the majority of his wealth coming from his salary as a soccer player.
Given his continued success at the club and international levels, Troost-Ekong's net worth is expected to grow in the coming years. Per Transfer Market, his current market value is pegged at two million euros.
Troost-Ekong’s Love for Akwa Ibom
Troost-Ekong hails from Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria, which is where his father is from. Despite the fact he was born in Haarlem, Netherlands, he identifies strongly with his Nigerian heritage and roots.
Troost-Ekong is very vocal about his love for Akwa Ibom and constantly donates his future national team earnings to support football development there.
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He also recently launched his William Troost-Ekong Foundation in Uyo, with a wonderful friendly match that was attended by his former colleagues, comedians and celebrities.
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AFCON 2023 MVP Troost-Ekong returns to Europe after watching Finidi George's Super Eagles fail
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William Troost-Ekong: Nigerian comedian Sabinus dubbed 'new Messi' after recreating iconic picture
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Ekong, Siasia, Sabinus, Falz and other celebrities struggle with new national anthem during charity football match
Super Eagles captain William Troost Ekong and his guests at the exhibition match to launch his foundation struggled with the new Nigerian national anthem.
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05:30 - 31.05.2024
I am match fit - AFCON 2023 MVP William Troost-Ekong says after omission from Finidi's Super Eagles WCQ squad
William Troost-Ekong clarified in Lagos that he is fit and ready whenever Finidi George needs him ahead of the WCQ.
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08:52 - 20.05.2024
Super Eagles: AFCON 2023 best Troost-Ekong joins Invincibles Boniface and Tella in champions group
Super Eagles skipper at AFCON 2023 William Troost-Ekong lifted the Greek League, joining Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella as champions.
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07:36 - 11.05.2024
Na God - Finidi George gets huge boost as important AFCON 2023 star returns to training
Finidi George could have William Troost-Ekong available for the game against South Africa after he returned to first-team training.
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