‘ You are the future Super Eagles stars’ – William Troost-Ekong and Natse Jemide inspire Blessed Stars Academy players
The players of Blessed Stars Football Academy experienced a memorable evening on Saturday, October 12, 2024 as they met Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and popular actor Natse Jemide at the Four Points by Sheraton in Akwa Ibom State.
The event provided the young footballers with career advice, new football boots, and encouragement to pursue their dreams.
During the event, Troost-Ekong expressed his joy in meeting the young talents. In his speech, he encouraged the boys to stay committed to their training and listen to their coaches. He said:
“I am very happy to be with you today. I also hope that some other time, I will have the opportunity to train with you. I want to advise you to be committed to training. Be obedient to your coaches and work very hard. You are the future Super Eagles stars, and I look forward to seeing you rise to the top.”
His words were met with enthusiastic applause from the players.
Natse Jemide, the lead actor in the popular Nigerian movie Far From Home, hosted the meeting. He also shared his motivation for organising the event and the importance of the new football boots.
“I thank William Troost-Ekong for joining us here. Aside from giving you these football boots to encourage you all, I wanted you to have the opportunity to meet a star in your field. I hope his words will inspire you to work hard to be like him,” Jemide said.
Blessed Stars Football Academy shared the event on their verified Facebook page, stating:
“Yesterday was a remarkable day for Blessed Stars FA U-15 and U-17 as we had the honor of being invited by Natse Jemide and joined by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong. Our players received brand new football boots, a gesture that will greatly impact their training and performance. We were thrilled to have Captain Ekong share his invaluable wisdom, encouraging our boys to stay dedicated to their dreams. Thank you, Natse Jemide, for your generosity, and to Captain Troost-Ekong for your inspiring presence.”
The academy’s manager, Nsikakabasi Akpan, also reflected on the event via Facebook:
“William Troost-Ekong and ‘Far From Home’ star Natse Jemide hosted players of Blessed Stars Football Academy at the Four Points by Sheraton on Saturday night. It was a remarkable moment for our young players to meet, interact, and get valuable career tips from Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong, who personally engaged with each of the boys.
“To crown the day, each player received a brand new football boot. Al-Kholod of Saudi Arabia defender William Troost-Ekong also promised more sports accessories to help the young lads become great stars like him. A very memorable day for me and everyone at Blessed Stars Football Academy.
We are BLESSED to have people like Ekong and Natse who care about the next generation . A special thanks to Winihin Jemide for making this event possible. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for these talented players!”
The event left the young footballers motivated and grateful.
William Troost-Ekong is presently in camp with the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they prepare to face Libya in a 2025 AFCON qualification second-leg clash in Libya. The defender was in action when Nigeria won the first leg 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday, October 11, 2024.
