AFCON 2023: Why Ekong took the penalty against Ivory Coast and not Osimhen
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Troost Ekong took the penalty against Ivory Coast not Victor Osimhen || Image credit: Pooja Media

AFCON 2023: Why Ekong took the penalty against Ivory Coast and not Osimhen

Faruq Ibrahim Kolawole Babatunde 17:58 - 20.01.2024

William Troost-Ekong has revealed the reason behind his taking the penalty against Ivory Coast.

In a thrilling Group A match at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria's Super Eagles soared to victory against Ivory Coast courtesy of a goal from the penalty spot. 

Victor Osimhen, the African Footballer of the Year and Nigeria's usual penalty taker, handed over the crucial spot-kick duties to captain William Troost-Ekong, a move that secured their win.

Troost-Ekong steps up in crunch moment

In a surprising turn of events, Napoli's star striker, Osimhen, who was fouled early in the second half, asked Troost-Ekong to take the decisive penalty. This decision came despite Osimhen's status as the team's designated penalty taker and top scorer in Serie A last season.

"Victor is our first choice; he said he wanted me to take it," Troost-Ekong, 30, told BBC Sport Africa. "Of course I couldn't say no. We practice penalties and I took one against Ghana. Maybe it was the moment of the game, [but] I was feeling good. I would also have been happy for him to take it but I'm sure he's going to score many more goals for us."

At the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, Nigeria defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick in the second half by William Troost-Ekong.
At the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, Nigeria defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick in the second half by William Troost-Ekong.
Victor Osimhen has missed the most chances in Cote d'Ivoire. (Photo Credit: Pooja Media/X)
Victor Osimhen has missed the most chances in Cote d'Ivoire. (Photo Credit: Pooja Media/X)

Osimhen's Team-First Mentality Shines

Osimhen, who scored in Nigeria's opening 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea, displayed a team-first mentality. Despite his disappointment over a social media post by Napoli following a missed penalty earlier in the season, Osimhen stressed the importance of the team's success over individual accolades.

"For me I don't mind. I can take it and if I score or I miss, it is part of the game," Osimhen said. "But of course he took it and he scored it, and it shows great leadership. The team winning is the most important thing."

Troost-Ekong, a former Watford defender, embraced the responsibility, converting the penalty in the 55th minute and securing a 1-0 win for Nigeria. "I enjoy moments like this, I enjoy the big games," he said. "Pressure is for people trying to think how they can feed their family every day - not for us. We play football and we practice for moments like this."

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