William Troost Ekong: Nigeria Defender Explains Why He Represents Fela, Gets Tattoo of Music Legend

• William Troost Ekong has never hidden his passion for music great Fela Anikulapo Kuti
• The Nigerian international recently got the music icon tattooed on his right arm
• Ekong has explained what the legacy of the music legend means to him

Amidst the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong has disclosed that he loves to represent Fela.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, also famously known as Abami Eda, was a Nigerian musician, bandleader, composer, political activist, and Pan-Africanist who passed away in 1997 at the age of 58.

His songs have continued to make the playlist, airwaves and charts even after almost three decades after his passage.

The Nigerian music legend is remembered as an influential icon who voiced his opinions on matters that affected the nation through his music. Punch reported that he branded 'Abami Eda' as the Bob Marley of Nigerian music.

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Ekong, who has been superb in the heart of the Super Eagles defence at the ongoing AFCON tournament, went all the way to have Fela tattooed on his right arm.

The 30-year-old PAOK of Greece defender disclosed that he loved all that Fela stood for. Ekong told Sports Brief:

"I love his music; I think he's a godfather of Afrobeats.

"I like what he stands for, and I think he's the man for the people, that's why I like to represent him."

Meanwhile, Nigeria have a date with Angola in a quarter-final clash at the ongoing continental showpiece.

Ekong admitted that it would be tough against the Palancras Negara. He told journalists after a training session at the Ecole du Police in Abidjan:

“We are preparing for the game the same way as we prepare for every game so far in this tournament.

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“Angola looks like a very good team, we are going to have to play our best football to try and beat them."

Nigeria vs Angola: Kenneth Omeruo speaks

Sports Brief earlier reported that Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo shared his thoughts on Angola players talking tough ahead of the quarter-final tie at the 2023 AFCON.

The former Middlesbrough defender was involved in Nigeria's 2-0 win over Cameroon at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Saturday (January 27).

The AFCON 2013 winner is not concerned about going back and forth with the Palancas Negras players ahead of their game, and he prefers Nigeria to do their talking on the pitch.