William Troost-Ekong -- Captain, my captain!

[theDunamis]

Captain, my captain!

Ekong's leadership in this team has been nothing short of stellar. His leadership qualities plus his situational awareness are exceptional and laudable. And his situational awareness is not just about things directly related to the match at hand alone but also in relation to human and personnel relationship -- those intangible but valuable things. For example, after scoring his penalty during the PKs today, while he was no doubt both relieved and celebratory, his attention immediately goes to what next he can do to serve the team. And he goes over to Nwabali, hugs him, and whispers into his ears, likely giving him some kudos and encouragement. Ekong sees people. And he wants to serve them however he can. The trait of natural leaders.

And his mentality and approach are fully embedded and revealed in this statement he made during an interview, "...one thing that hundred percent isn't something we can compromise on is our work rate. We are willing to do the dirty work defensively, making the runs to give people options when we have the ball. We know that if we do all those things, then our quality would come out, because there are not many teams in Africa that have more quality than us, player for player." Ekong has walked that talk throughout this tournament. Leading and organizing the defense with words, legs, and body. Bruising tackles. Joining the forces upfront for set piece opportunities. Huffing and puffing to make last-second, crucial blocks. And when his legs have tired and sensing the clear and tournament-ending danger, pulling down his man and taking one for the team. Experience weds leadership. And when team members see a leader who is asking of them only that which he himself does first, they see a leader who leads by example and they follow.

Finally, but not at all least, his calmness and wisdom are a key and central part of his leadership qualities and both contribute immensely to the team's vibe. And to his engagement style when he has to engage referees to register complaints or seek redress. And yet, both belie a stillness that rises to the surface when the moment demands - like in his 3 crucial PKs thus far in this tournament.

It was surprising to learn that he came close to ending his international career less than a year ago. I can say with full certainty that Nigeria is grateful and better for his decision to keep playing for us. Veteran players may lose a step or two in speed, but they more than make up for those in experience and in Ekong's case, leadership.

Captain, my captain!

[Damunk]

Captain, my captain!

Ekong's leadership in this team has been nothing short of stellar. His leadership qualities plus his situational awareness are exceptional and laudable. And his situational awareness is not just about things directly related to the match at hand alone but also in relation to human and personnel relationship -- those intangible but valuable things. For example, after scoring his penalty during the PKs today, while he was no doubt both relieved and celebratory, his attention immediately goes to what next he can do to serve the team. And he goes over to Nwabali, hugs him, and whispers into his ears, likely giving him some kudos and encouragement. Ekong sees people. And he wants to serve them however he can. The trait of natural leaders.

And his mentality and approach are fully embedded and revealed in this statement he made during an interview, "...one thing that hundred percent isn't something we can compromise on is our work rate. We are willing to do the dirty work defensively, making the runs to give people options when we have the ball. We know that if we do all those things, then our quality would come out, because there are not many teams in Africa that have more quality than us, player for player." Ekong has walked that talk throughout this tournament. Leading and organizing the defense with words, legs, and body. Bruising tackles. Joining the forces upfront for set piece opportunities. Huffing and puffing to make last-second, crucial blocks. And when his legs have tired and sensing the clear and tournament-ending danger, pulling down his man and taking one for the team. Experience weds leadership. And when team members see a leader who is asking of them only that which he himself does first, they see a leader who leads by example and they follow.

Finally, but not at all least, his calmness and wisdom are a key and central part of his leadership qualities and both contribute immensely to the team's vibe. And to his engagement style when he has to engage referees to register complaints or seek redress. And yet, both belie a stillness that rises to the surface when the moment demands - like in his 3 crucial PKs thus far in this tournament.

It was surprising to learn that he came close to ending his international career less than a year ago. I can say with full certainty that Nigeria is grateful and better for his decision to keep playing for us. veteran players may lose a step or two in speed, but they more than make up for those in experience and in Ekong's case, leadership.

Captain, my captain!

Brilliant tribute, theDunamis.
Maybe I’m still on a high at the moment, but of all our SE captains I’ve witnessed, there are three that stand out:
Christian Chukwu, Stephen Keshi and Okey Okechukwu.

But if the SE Captains’ Hall of Fame was limited to just three, I’m afraid the Gentle Giant Okechukwu would have to make way for WT EKONG.
He has been exemplary this tournament.

[Tobi17]

If Ekong lifts that AFCON trophy on Sunday, he will easily be ranked among the top 3 players to ever captain Nigeria (only Stephen Keshi and Christian Chukwu will be arguably ahead of him).

[aruako1]

I hope he is getting his coaching badges. He has the mentality to succeed as a coach

[ugly boy]

Well said one of the MVPs on the team. On field contribution plus all the intangibles. This is why some fans should exercise caution when saying players are past it simply because of a temporary dip in form

[2think]

Captain, my captain!

Ekong's leadership in this team has been nothing short of stellar. His leadership qualities plus his situational awareness are exceptional and laudable. And his situational awareness is not just about things directly related to the match at hand alone but also in relation to human and personnel relationship -- those intangible but valuable things. For example, after scoring his penalty during the PKs today, while he was no doubt both relieved and celebratory, his attention immediately goes to what next he can do to serve the team. And he goes over to Nwabali, hugs him, and whispers into his ears, likely giving him some kudos and encouragement. Ekong sees people. And he wants to serve them however he can. The trait of natural leaders.

And his mentality and approach are fully embedded and revealed in this statement he made during an interview, "...one thing that hundred percent isn't something we can compromise on is our work rate. We are willing to do the dirty work defensively, making the runs to give people options when we have the ball. We know that if we do all those things, then our quality would come out, because there are not many teams in Africa that have more quality than us, player for player." Ekong has walked that talk throughout this tournament. Leading and organizing the defense with words, legs, and body. Bruising tackles. Joining the forces upfront for set piece opportunities. Huffing and puffing to make last-second, crucial blocks. And when his legs have tired and sensing the clear and tournament-ending danger, pulling down his man and taking one for the team. Experience weds leadership. And when team members see a leader who is asking of them only that which he himself does first, they see a leader who leads by example and they follow.

Finally, but not at all least, his calmness and wisdom are a key and central part of his leadership qualities and both contribute immensely to the team's vibe. And to his engagement style when he has to engage referees to register complaints or seek redress. And yet, both belie a stillness that rises to the surface when the moment demands - like in his 3 crucial PKs thus far in this tournament.

It was surprising to learn that he came close to ending his international career less than a year ago. I can say with full certainty that Nigeria is grateful and better for his decision to keep playing for us. veteran players may lose a step or two in speed, but they more than make up for those in experience and in Ekong's case, leadership.

Captain, my captain!

Wonderful!
Take a bow, sir! You captured everything I have been observing so far, about him in this competition.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Nothing more to add.

In the Quarterfinal against Angola, there was one moment when Lookman wanted to remonstrate to the referee, but Ekong just calmly restrained him from potentially getting a yellow card. Moments before that I was screaming my head off at Bassey for picking up a needless yellow.

He stepped up when nerves of steel were needed yesterday for the penalty(s), just as he did against CIV in the group stage. He took one for the team, and for good measure practically wrestled the SA player

He exudes so much calmness and control that I feel is very much needed, especially for this relatively young squad.

His steely demeanor also tells me he's a man on a mission. In fact the entire team look and play like they're on a mission. Wish all their efforts is crowned with winning the Cup.

[theDunamis]

Brilliant tribute, theDunamis.
Maybe I’m still on a high at the moment, but of all our SE captains I’ve witnessed, there are three that stand out:
Christian Chukwu, Stephen Keshi and Okey Okechukwu.

But if the SE Captains’ Hall of Fame was limited to just three, I’m afraid the Gentle Giant Okechukwu would have to make way for WT EKONG.
He has been exemplary this tournament.

Thank you, bro. And yes, you totally nailed the SE Captains HoF. And the sacrifice you will make if limited to 3 is one I would make as well -- a painful but needful exercise to be certain.

[theDunamis]

Well said one of the MVPs on the team. On field contribution plus all the intangibles. This is why some fans should exercise caution when saying players are past it simply because of a temporary dip in form

Exactly this. And this was one of the reasons behind my penultimate paragraph. Wishy-washy "fans" (too many of whom have made their way into CE) for whom players can never be human or have a bad day in the office and must be used only when perfect and trashed when less than.

[waka-man]

Captain, my captain!

Ekong's leadership in this team has been nothing short of stellar. His leadership qualities plus his situational awareness are exceptional and laudable. And his situational awareness is not just about things directly related to the match at hand alone but also in relation to human and personnel relationship -- those intangible but valuable things. For example, after scoring his penalty during the PKs today, while he was no doubt both relieved and celebratory, his attention immediately goes to what next he can do to serve the team. And he goes over to Nwabali, hugs him, and whispers into his ears, likely giving him some kudos and encouragement. Ekong sees people. And he wants to serve them however he can. The trait of natural leaders.

And his mentality and approach are fully embedded and revealed in this statement he made during an interview, "...one thing that hundred percent isn't something we can compromise on is our work rate. We are willing to do the dirty work defensively, making the runs to give people options when we have the ball. We know that if we do all those things, then our quality would come out, because there are not many teams in Africa that have more quality than us, player for player." Ekong has walked that talk throughout this tournament. Leading and organizing the defense with words, legs, and body. Bruising tackles. Joining the forces upfront for set piece opportunities. Huffing and puffing to make last-second, crucial blocks. And when his legs have tired and sensing the clear and tournament-ending danger, pulling down his man and taking one for the team. Experience weds leadership. And when team members see a leader who is asking of them only that which he himself does first, they see a leader who leads by example and they follow.

Finally, but not at all least, his calmness and wisdom are a key and central part of his leadership qualities and both contribute immensely to the team's vibe. And to his engagement style when he has to engage referees to register complaints or seek redress. And yet, both belie a stillness that rises to the surface when the moment demands - like in his 3 crucial PKs thus far in this tournament.

It was surprising to learn that he came close to ending his international career less than a year ago. I can say with full certainty that Nigeria is grateful and better for his decision to keep playing for us. veteran players may lose a step or two in speed, but they more than make up for those in experience and in Ekong's case, leadership.

Captain, my captain!

Amen. We have not had a natural leader play this role since Keshi. Oliseh, JJ, Yobo and Mikel were all commendable captains but apart from Oliseh they mostly led through their playing.

WTE looks like a man on a mission, a general on the field, with the modern leadership skills of seeing each player as an individual and giving them what they need.

I had goose-bumps with the “na you!” moment celebrating Osimhen’s contribution to Lookman’s first Cam goal.

And let’s not forget he’s second in our goalscoring chart. Potential MVP of this tournament.

I hope for his sake we can cap it all by taking the title. He’ll go down as a legend if we do.

[felarey]

Well said, plus we're not hearing of any shenanigans from him like mafia, player power, undue influence etc.

[sabb]

baller - King Ekong

[Robbynice]

Ekong has not done one thing wrong this whole tournament. He is truly a leader of men. Captain Nigeria, my captain!

[Coach]

Utterly butterly brilliant.

[packerland]

Like I said. I don’t see what Musa brings that Ekong hasn’t brought to the team. You can add Omeruo too. Anyway, I don’t want to start a Musa talk.

[fabio]

Like I said. I don’t see what Musa brings that Ekong hasn’t brought to the team. You can add Omeruo too. Anyway, I don’t want to start a Musa talk.

Another Musa hater spotted. You don't know what Musa bring to the team, because it's not MILF.

[packerland]

Like I said. I don’t see what Musa brings that Ekong hasn’t brought to the team. You can add Omeruo too. Anyway, I don’t want to start a Musa talk.

Another Musa hater spotted. You don't know what Musa bring to the team, because it's not MILF.

I only see him jumping on the back of other players.

[cchinukw]

Beast mode inspirational.

[blueangel]

Captain, my captain!

Ekong's leadership in this team has been nothing short of stellar. His leadership qualities plus his situational awareness are exceptional and laudable. And his situational awareness is not just about things directly related to the match at hand alone but also in relation to human and personnel relationship -- those intangible but valuable things. For example, after scoring his penalty during the PKs today, while he was no doubt both relieved and celebratory, his attention immediately goes to what next he can do to serve the team. And he goes over to Nwabali, hugs him, and whispers into his ears, likely giving him some kudos and encouragement. Ekong sees people. And he wants to serve them however he can. The trait of natural leaders.

And his mentality and approach are fully embedded and revealed in this statement he made during an interview, "...one thing that hundred percent isn't something we can compromise on is our work rate. We are willing to do the dirty work defensively, making the runs to give people options when we have the ball. We know that if we do all those things, then our quality would come out, because there are not many teams in Africa that have more quality than us, player for player." Ekong has walked that talk throughout this tournament. Leading and organizing the defense with words, legs, and body. Bruising tackles. Joining the forces upfront for set piece opportunities. Huffing and puffing to make last-second, crucial blocks. And when his legs have tired and sensing the clear and tournament-ending danger, pulling down his man and taking one for the team. Experience weds leadership. And when team members see a leader who is asking of them only that which he himself does first, they see a leader who leads by example and they follow.

Finally, but not at all least, his calmness and wisdom are a key and central part of his leadership qualities and both contribute immensely to the team's vibe. And to his engagement style when he has to engage referees to register complaints or seek redress. And yet, both belie a stillness that rises to the surface when the moment demands - like in his 3 crucial PKs thus far in this tournament.

It was surprising to learn that he came close to ending his international career less than a year ago. I can say with full certainty that Nigeria is grateful and better for his decision to keep playing for us. Veteran players may lose a step or two in speed, but they more than make up for those in experience and in Ekong's case, leadership.

Captain, my captain!

Well Written

I Talk Am
Said in essence same thing weeks ago.

If not for Ekong teams would have equalized or scored on us.
He has done his job consistently unlike our strikers who find it hard to score.

[blueangel]

Also in the South Africa match.
The speedy striker from South AFrica almost out ran Ekong who grabbed him and took a yellow card for the team, his nation

[Damunk]

Like I said. I don’t see what Musa brings that Ekong hasn’t brought to the team. You can add Omeruo too. Anyway, I don’t want to start a Musa talk.

Don't worry.
Osimhen again paid tribute to him yesterday.
People just need to accept that they are outsiders.
Not everything is out in the open.

[fabio]

Like I said. I don’t see what Musa brings that Ekong hasn’t brought to the team. You can add Omeruo too. Anyway, I don’t want to start a Musa talk.

Don't worry.
Osimhen again paid tribute to him yesterday.
People just need to accept that they are outsiders.
Not everything is out in the open.

MILF hunter was busy, when the camera show Jose complaining to Musa about some decisions.

[iworo]

Well said, plus we're not hearing of any shenanigans from him like mafia, player power, undue influence etc.

Very important point.

[Bell]

Captain, my captain!

Ekong's leadership in this team has been nothing short of stellar. His leadership qualities plus his situational awareness are exceptional and laudable. And his situational awareness is not just about things directly related to the match at hand alone but also in relation to human and personnel relationship -- those intangible but valuable things. For example, after scoring his penalty during the PKs today, while he was no doubt both relieved and celebratory, his attention immediately goes to what next he can do to serve the team. And he goes over to Nwabali, hugs him, and whispers into his ears, likely giving him some kudos and encouragement. Ekong sees people. And he wants to serve them however he can. The trait of natural leaders.

And his mentality and approach are fully embedded and revealed in this statement he made during an interview, "...one thing that hundred percent isn't something we can compromise on is our work rate. We are willing to do the dirty work defensively, making the runs to give people options when we have the ball. We know that if we do all those things, then our quality would come out, because there are not many teams in Africa that have more quality than us, player for player." Ekong has walked that talk throughout this tournament. Leading and organizing the defense with words, legs, and body. Bruising tackles. Joining the forces upfront for set piece opportunities. Huffing and puffing to make last-second, crucial blocks. And when his legs have tired and sensing the clear and tournament-ending danger, pulling down his man and taking one for the team. Experience weds leadership. And when team members see a leader who is asking of them only that which he himself does first, they see a leader who leads by example and they follow.

Finally, but not at all least, his calmness and wisdom are a key and central part of his leadership qualities and both contribute immensely to the team's vibe. And to his engagement style when he has to engage referees to register complaints or seek redress. And yet, both belie a stillness that rises to the surface when the moment demands - like in his 3 crucial PKs thus far in this tournament.

It was surprising to learn that he came close to ending his international career less than a year ago. I can say with full certainty that Nigeria is grateful and better for his decision to keep playing for us. Veteran players may lose a step or two in speed, but they more than make up for those in experience and in Ekong's case, leadership.

Captain, my captain!

LARGELY MY PERCEPTION WITH A FEW COMMENTS


I think he's played within his abilities and as one of the longest serving squad members has taken the responsibility to inspire the team and organize the defense. However, I was a a little troubled to see him so deep in the offensive eighteen trying to score on crosses which potentially leaves holes in the defense. And in the first half of the SA game when Nigeria was playing the SA half, I was worried about a potential SA counter and I think he should have restrained the defense from heading too far fwd. Finally, I don't think he should be the one for the next PK because I think the Ivorians have a huge dossier on his tendencies.
Bell