)
The Super Eagles superstar believes great guy Finidi George is too humble for his achievements as a player and coach.
The leader of Nigeria's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad William Troost-Ekong has paid a glowing tribute to new Super Eagles head coach Finidi George.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Troost-Ekong has hailed the humility and experience of the Eagles legend as he prepares to lead the team permanently.
)
18:28 - 07.05.2024
William Troost-Ekong: 10 Amazing facts about the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history
Dutch-born Nigerian defender, William Troost-Ekong, is one part of the famous “oyinbo wall” that rose to become a formidable center-back partnership for the Super Eagles and later captained the team to an African Cup of Nations second-place finish in 2023.
)
15:38 - 05.05.2024
Super Eagles' newly appointed head coach Finidi George rejects Amuneke and Amokachi as assistant manager
For the first time since his hiring, Finidi George, the recently appointed head coach of the senior team for Nigeria, will be at odds with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
AFCON 2023 Icon Hails Finidi George
Troost-Ekong, who grew up just outside Amsterdam before embarking on a journey that has now taken him to Greece, revealed how Finidi's exploits at Ajax made him a revered figure during his formative years.
"Finidi George is a legend, I think in African and Nigerian football," Troost-Ekong said in a video posted on social media by Nigerian journalist Jolade.
)
"Even here in Greece when we talk about players, people always have to speak about ex-Nigerian players to me and Finidi is always mentioned, especially growing up in Holland just outside Amsterdam.
"For someone that played for Ajax and won so much there, again someone that I looked up to and feel very related to in some sense."
)
Despite Finidi's lofty standing and trophy-laden career, the AFCON 2023 Most Valuable Player, who played through a pain barrier in Cote d’Ivoire, insisted the 53-year-old has never lost his humble approach, even as he took the interim coaching reins.
"Having experienced him being around the team now for a few years, yeah he's always been someone who's very humble. I think someone that's too humble for what he's achieved," the player added.
)
He also highlighted Finidi's success in leading Enyimba to the Nigerian league title last season as evidence of his credentials for the Super Eagles role.
"Everyone knows the work he's done with Enyimba last year when he won the league."
)
"So, for him to get this chance now to be the head coach and see what's gonna happen after, I am very happy to see that."
The national team star concluded by praising Finidi's man-management skills and ability to command respect through his words and deeds.
)
"He's a great guy, he can be quite quiet - when he was before he chose to speak to players one-on-one, he would definitely raise his voice when he had something important to say which made it even more powerful when he did and yeah he has so much experience that we can't deny that."
Troost-Ekong missed Finidi’s first two matches as interim manager in Morocco but is expected to play an important role when the NPFL winner begins his role against South Africa next month.
Related content
)
09:27 - 21.04.2024
Give Us A Local Coach - AFCON 2023 Best Player Troost-Ekong Tells NFF
Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong advocates for cultural understanding but keeps an open mind on foreign expertise.
)
18:12 - 15.04.2024
REPORT: William Troost-Ekong donates future Super Eagles salary to Akwa Ibom football
William Troost Ekong's remarkable performance at AFCON 2023, decision to donate future earnings to help aspiring young footballers in Akwa Ibom, and optimistic recovery from injury showcase his exceptional leadership on and off the field, cementing his status as a role model for aspiring athletes.
)
09:46 - 23.03.2024
What chef Troost-Ekong said after Super Eagles' victory over Ghana in jollof derby
William Troost-Ekong enjoyed watching his Super Eagles teammates win against rivals Ghana in Morocco.
)
16:09 - 22.03.2024
William Troost-Ekong: Super Eagles Captain finally reveals return date after surgery
Super Eagles' AFCON hero Troost Ekong is expected to return to action in mid-May.
11:32 - 22.03.2024
Troost-Ekong recounts playing through serious pain to lead Super Eagles at AFCON 2023
Nigeria's William Troost-Ekong speaks on how he emerged AFCON hero despite a serious hamstring setback in Cote d'Ivoire.
)
10:49 - 22.03.2024
How AFCON 2023 icon William Troost-Ekong became Super Eagles penalty specialist
William Troost-Ekong's coolness under pressure became a decisive factor in Nigeria and Super Eagles AFCON 2023 run.
)
18:27 - 04.03.2024
Troost Ekong says what Nigeria should have done to beat Ivory Coast in AFCON final
Super Eagles on-pitch captain William Troost-Ekong talks about Nigeria's shortcoming in the AFCON 2023 final against Cote d'Ivoire.
)
17:45 - 04.03.2024
I fought with Peseiro and almost missed AFCON — Troost Ekong
William Troost-Ekong opens up about a period of strained relationship with Jose Peseiro.
)
13:00 - 28.02.2024
We started together — Troost Ekong speaks on time at Tottenham with Harry Kane
Super Eagles captain Troost Ekong was full of praise for his former teammate Harry Kane.
)
18:40 - 27.02.2024
I know Osimhen's next club — Troost Ekong says Super Eagles teammate has decided
Inside scoop: Troost-Ekong knows where Osimhen will land next season, Chelsea and Arsenal on alert.
23:08 - 26.02.2024
Troost-Ekong's Surgery Plans Reveal AFCON 2023 MVP Played Through Injury to Help Nigeria Reach Final
According to reports, Troost Ekong will be out of action until the late stages of the current season after undergoing surgery
10:37 - 26.02.2024
Troost-Ekong: Why AFCON 2023 best player has not dumped Super Eagles yet
William Troost-Ekong led Nigeria's Super Eagles to the AFCON 2023 final and was named player of the tournament. But he could have missed the party.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)