William Troost Ekong Congratulates Ivory Coast, Delivers Powerful Message to Nigerians

• William Troost-Ekong has reacted to Nigeria's AFCON defeat
• The Greece-based defender has hopes for the future of the team
• The Super Eagles lost to the host nation Ivory Coast in the final

Nigeria defender William Troost-Ekong remains confident of a strong comeback from the Super Eagles after their defeat to Ivory Coast.

The three-time champions were denied a fourth title after the Elephants staged a strong comeback to beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

Troost-Ekong, who was named player of the tournament, scored the opener for Nigeria at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe.

However, a second-half leveller from Franck Kessie and a late winner from Sebastien Haller saw the host clinch their third title and equal Nigeria's record.

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"Naija, thank you. I love you die. No words can justify the feeling of losing a final. I am proud of our team, our nation and our spirit. Heads up, keep trying. We will soar again. Congratulations Cote d'Ivoire," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Troost-Ekong enjoyed a good tournament, scoring three goals while leading the team on the pitch, as reported by Vanguard NGR.

Despite being one of the oldest players in the squad, Troost-Ekong is expected to continue his international career after his exploits in Ivory Coast.

Troost-Ekong named Player of the Tournament

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Nigeria's William Troost-Ekong was named the Player of the Tournament at the end of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The PAOK Thessaloniki defender starred for the Super Eagles, scoring three goals, including the opener in the final against the host nation.

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Unfortunately, Nigeria failed to hold on to the lead as Ivory Coast came from a goal down to clinch the title on home soil.

Troost-Ekong shares admiration for Ferdinand

Sports Brief also reported that Nigeria defender William Troost-Ekong shared his admiration for Rio Ferdinand after the victory over South Africa.

Troost-Ekong has been instrumental for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, leading Nigeria to the final.

Following Nigeria's victory over South Africa in the semi-final on Wednesday, the ex-England international displayed his support for the two-time champions.