.png){kind=small}
William Troost-Ekong walks onto the pitch like it’s a stage, and his performance is pure art. Not the obvious kind, where the goal-scorers bask in the spotlight, but the subtle, steady kind that shapes the entire symphony. This year, the world finally caught on. Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s captain and defensive maestro, has been nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s 11 as one of the top defenders on the planet.
It’s not just about his blocks, tackles, or goals; it’s about the moments in between—the quiet command, the fearless leadership, the way he makes defense feel like poetry. Alongside fellow Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman and football legend Asisat Oshoala, Troost-Ekong is putting Nigeria on the global football map in a year that’s been nothing short of revolutionary.
From Greek Glory to African Greatness
It’s been a season of statements for Troost-Ekong. For his club, PAOK Thessaloniki, he didn’t just defend; he transformed. His ironclad presence anchored the team’s rise to win the Greek League title and secure a Champions League berth. Every clearance, every perfectly-timed slide tackle spoke volumes: here was a defender not just playing his position but rewriting its playbook.
And then there was the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Nigeria marched to the final, driven by the unshakable force of their captain. Troost-Ekong didn’t just defend their goal; he attacked the opposition’s net with three goals of his own. In a tournament full of stars, he was crowned Most Valuable Player, standing tall as the heartbeat of a team that dared to dream.
This FIFA nomination feels like a continuation of that dream, as Troost-Ekong now competes with icons like Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and Achraf Hakimi. Yet his story is refreshingly unique—a celebration of grit, leadership, and pride in representing a country where football is more than a sport; it’s an identity.
Nigerian Excellence on the World Stage
Troost-Ekong’s nomination doesn’t exist in a vacuum. He shares this monumental moment with two other Nigerian superstars. Ademola Lookman, the 27-year-old Atalanta forward, has turned heads worldwide after dazzling performances at AFCON and his role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph. Then there’s Asisat Oshoala, nominated for the FIFA Marta Award, celebrating the best goal in women’s football.
Together, these three represent the future of Nigerian football. They are a testament to resilience, defiance, and brilliance in the face of a world that often overlooks African talent. This isn’t just a win for them—it’s a win for the millions of fans who’ve chanted their names from the bustling streets of Lagos to the quiet corners of Europe.
Troost-Ekong isn’t just a nominee; he’s a reminder. A reminder that defenders can lead. A reminder that Nigeria’s story isn’t one of promise—it’s one of fulfillment.
Voting for The Best FIFA Men’s 11, featuring William Troost-Ekong as one of the top four defenders in this elite lineup, is now open until December 10 on FIFA’s official website. This is more than a vote for an award; it’s a chance to celebrate a player who embodies the spirit of a nation. And if you’ve ever seen Troost-Ekong on the pitch, you know it’s a moment well-deserved.
Let’s show our support and bring home the award! ⚽️