Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong reveals the toughest opponent he has ever faced
William Troost-Ekong recently shared insights into his experience facing off against Lionel Messi during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
In that interview, Troost-Ekong described Messi as the best player he has ever encountered on the pitch, highlighting the Argentine’s exceptional talent and unpredictability.
Recalling their encounter, Troost-Ekong reminisced about Messi’s extraordinary goal that contributed to Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Nigeria. He vividly described Messi’s goal, expressing admiration for the Argentine’s skill and technique. Despite being on the opposing side, Troost-Ekong acknowledged the brilliance of Messi’s performance, emphasizing the challenge of defending against such a formidable opponent.
Troost-Ekong reflected on the difficulty of marking Messi one-on-one, noting the Argentine’s ability to evade defenders and create scoring opportunities with his exceptional ball control and vision.
Despite his efforts to contain Messi during the match, Troost-Ekong admitted the difficulty of predicting Messi’s movements and actions on the field, highlighting the unpredictability that makes Messi a special player.
In addition to discussing his encounter with Messi, Troost-Ekong also shared his commitment to environmental sustainability in football.
He recently made headlines for becoming the first professional football player to wear environmentally friendly boots during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Troost-Ekong’s initiative underscores his dedication to promoting eco-friendly practices in football and contributing to positive environmental impact.
Looking ahead, Troost-Ekong is set to participate in a charity match scheduled for June in Akwa Ibom, showcasing his commitment to giving back to the community and making a difference beyond the football pitch.
