Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong plays first game for PAOK since 2023 AFCON

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong returned to action for PAOK for the first time in seven months in the club’s 2-1 win over AEK Larnaca in a friendly game, Soccernet.ng reports.

Troost-Ekong was a regular for PAOK when he was called up to the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 AFCON, but he was not expected to play a major role for the team as was struggling to pin down a starting shirt on the team in previous months.

However, he went on to become an important member of the team, starring prominently in the heart of the defense. He also won the Player of the tournament award, as he registered three goals in the tournament.

Unfortunately for him, he sustained an injury in the course of the tournament and even had to be patched up for the final. After the tournament, Troost-Ekong had to undergo surgery and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

He returned to training at the end of the season, but he was not called up to the Super Eagles squad for the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin last month.

Nonetheless, the 30-year-old defender participated in an exhibition game to launch his foundation in Nigeria.

On Wednesday, Troost-Ekong finally made his return to action for PAOK in their 2-1 win over Larnaca in their first friendly game of the season. The former Watford man started the game, but he did not score. PAOK still have three more friendly games against Hibernian, Genk, and Union Berlin lined up before before start of the league season.