Troost-Ekong wins Player of the tournament (See Full List of the CAF AFCON Awards)
Super Eagles Captain “Troost-Ekong” Clinches Best Player Award at AFCON 2023
In a thrilling culmination of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles’ captain William Troost-Ekong emerges as the standout player, securing the prestigious title of the tournament’s best player. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) bestowed this honor upon Troost-Ekong, recognizing his exceptional performance throughout the competition.
Troost-Ekong’s stellar contributions were pivotal in Nigeria’s journey to a commendable second-place finish in the AFCON. With three remarkable goals to his name, he led the Super Eagles with distinction, showcasing his talent, leadership, and unwavering commitment on the field.
The AFCON awards ceremony also celebrated other standout performers, including South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who earned the accolade of the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Williams’s remarkable saves and outstanding performance propelled Bafana Bafana to a well-deserved third-place finish.
Equatorial Guinea’s Emilo Nsue clinched the Golden Boot award, having displayed remarkable goal-scoring prowess throughout the tournament, netting an impressive total of five goals. Additionally, Cote D’Ivoire’s coach, Emerse Fae, received the Coach of the Tournament award for his exemplary leadership and guidance, culminating in his team’s AFCON triumph.
The AFCON 2023 Awards Recap:
- Best Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams – South Africa
- Fair Play Team Award: South Africa
- Golden Boot Winner: Emilio Nsue – Equatorial Guinea (5 goals)
- Silver Boot Winner: Gelson Dala – Angola (4 goals)
- Bronze Boot Winner: Mostafa Mohamed – Egypt (4 goals)
- Man of the Competition: William Troost-Ekong – Nigeria
- Best Young Player Award: Simon Adingra – Ivory Coast
- Best Coach Award: Emerse Faé – Ivory Coast
The AFCON 2023 tournament concluded with Ivory Coast emerging as the champions, overcoming early challenges to clinch the coveted trophy. Ivory Coast’s triumphant victory saw them stage a remarkable comeback, securing a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final match. Noteworthy goals from Franck Kessie and Haller sealed their victory, with Nigeria’s Troost-Ekong contributing to the thrilling encounter.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles showcased resilience and determination throughout the tournament, ultimately finishing as worthy runners-up. Despite taking the lead in the first half of the final match, Nigeria faced formidable opposition from Ivory Coast, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of the AFCON.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secured third place in the tournament, with Ronwen Williams’s exceptional performance instrumental in their success. Their victory in the penalty shootout against DR Congo underscored their resilience and tenacity, cementing their rightful place on the AFCON podium.
As the curtains close on AFCON 2023, the tournament’s memorable moments and exceptional performances serve as a testament to the enduring passion and talent within African football, captivating fans and inspiring future generations of players across the continent.
