Ekong Begins Rehabilitation after Surgery

Super Eagles central defender, William Troost-Ekong, has started rehabilitation work in the gym after successful surgery in Finland to correct an injury.

Troost-Ekong made a remarkable comeback to the Super Eagles this year after a lull in 2023. 

The former Watford man made Jose Peseiro’s squad to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and he proved to be a very important member of the team.

Troost-Ekong scored three goals and put up consistently impressive performances for the three-time African champions to help them to a second-place finish in the competition. His performances for the Super Eagles ensured that he won the Player of the Tournament award.

Unfortunately, after the AFCON, it was revealed that Troost-Ekong was nursing a hamstring injury from the group stage. He played most of the AFCON games through pain and was patched up for most of the tournament. 

Following the conclusion of the competition, Troost-Ekong was ruled out of the season because he had to undergo surgery.

The former Udinese man had his surgery in February, and yesterday he posted a short video on X (formerly Twitter) of himself doing some work in the gym.

In the short video with Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s music, in the background, wrote “O l’oun ta wa se n n’yara je k’abere” which was a popular hit by the music star,” the PAOK Salonika defender posted

Although he has returned to the gym, Troost-Ekong is still far from making his return to the pitch. However, he could be available for selection by June, when Nigeria play South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

While speaking to CNN, the Greece-based defender said he would be happy if he could be a part before the end of the season but if not, he would return in May.

“I should be back and fit again in May, but I think it’s probably season over. You never know how rehab will go but I don’t want to rush it because, at my tender age of 30, you have to be smart about these injuries.

“I want to be 100% for next season, 100% right. If I can play at the end of this season that’s great, if not then I will be ready for next season”, he said.