William Troost-Ekong reveals how he endured hamstring struggle to help Nigeria at the AFCON
William Troost-Ekong’s heroics during Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 campaign have been illuminated by revelations of his battle with injury throughout the tournament.
Despite playing with a serious hamstring injury, Troost-Ekong’s determination saw him named as the AFCON Player of the Tournament.
Troost-Ekong’s exceptional performances, which included crucial penalty conversions and fantastic defensive displays, were not solely a result of physical ability but also showcased his mental fortitude and determination to lead by example.
Despite suffering a torn bicep femoris early in the tournament, Troost-Ekong soldiered on, epitomizing the unwavering commitment expected of a true professional.
Speaking about the extent of his injury, Troost-Ekong revealed, “I had a torn bicep femoris, which is basically the outside part of the hamstring.” Despite the injury occurring early in the tournament, the 30-year-old persevered, battling through matches with limited training and significant discomfort.
“I couldn’t really train after the second group game. I was just trying ice to keep the swelling down,” he admitted, shedding light on the challenges he faced while managing the injury in Ivory Coast.
Troost-Ekong’s decision to persevere through the pain reflects his dedication to both his country and the sport, even though it ultimately cost him the rest of the season. However, his willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the greater good of the team exemplifies the selflessness revered in footballing circles.
Now, Troost-Ekong has undergone surgery to rectify the injury and is fully focused on his recovery to return to the pitch at full strength. “I want to be 100% for next season, 100% right,” he affirmed, highlighting his commitment to his future performances.
As Nigeria’s AFCON campaign fades into memory, Troost-Ekong’s will not be in action when Nigeria face Ghana and Mali during the March International break.
