Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has made a remarkable recovery from surgery and has returned to full training with Greek club side PAOK Saloniki.
His comeback comes just in time for Nigeria’s upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against South Africa and the Republic of Benin.
Troost-Ekong, 30, underwent surgery shortly after the Africa Cup of Nations in January, where he was named Player of the Tournament despite Nigeria finishing as runners-up to Cote d’Ivoire.
He sustained the injury during the 2023 AFCON, playing through pain to lead Nigeria to the final and scoring three crucial goals along the way.
After the AFCON, Troost-Ekong underwent minor surgery in Finland and took time to recover in London before returning to Thessaloniki.
Initially expected to miss the rest of the 2022/23 season, his swift recovery has surprised many.
PAOK, currently second in the Greek Super League, will likely include Troost-Ekong in their upcoming matches against Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, and Aris.
This will help him regain match fitness ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers and his return to the Super Eagles under new manager Finidi George.
Troost-Ekong’s return is a significant boost for Nigeria, who have struggled in the qualifiers, drawing their first two matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in Group C.
His presence could be crucial as Nigeria aims to secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
