William Troost-Ekong has voiced his appreciation for Finidi George, the recently appointed head coach of the Super Eagles.
George replaced Jose Peseiro, whose contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ended in February.
Peseiro had led Nigeria to a second-place finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Initially acting as the interim coach for the Super Eagles before securing the position permanently, the former Ajax star was selected from a candidate pool that included Emmanuel Amuneke.
Troost-Ekong, who captained the Super Eagles at the tournament and was adjudged the Most Valuable Player, had the opportunity to work closely with George, who served as one of Peseiro’s assistants.
The 30-year-old, who was born and raised in the Netherlands, has fond memories of George, the new manager of the Super Eagles, during the latter’s playing days at Ajax Amsterdam.
With a stellar playing career that saw him shine on the prestigious stages of Ajax and a reputation as a legend in African football, George’s ascendancy to the coaching helm has sparked fervent discussions and raised hopes for a new era of success.
Troost-Ekong is the latest to weigh in on the 53-year-old’s appointment.
“George Finidi is someone who is a legend. In African football, and Nigerian football, even here in Greece, whenever ex-Nigerian players are mentioned, Finidi’s name always comes up. Especially growing up in Holland, just outside Amsterdam, for someone who played so much for Ajax and achieved so much there, he’s someone I look up to and feel very connected to,” Troost-Ekong said in a recent interview.
“He is always very humble, too humble for what he has achieved. Everyone recognizes the work he did for Enyimba last year when he won the league. So, for him to now get the chance to be the interim head coach [now the full-time head coach], I am very happy to see that. He’s a great guy.”
Finidi George left an indelible mark during his time at Ajax Amsterdam between 1993 and 1996. Making a total of 86 appearances and scoring 18 goals within that period, George’s skill and dedication endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
His tenure at Ajax coincided with a period of remarkable success for the club. George played a pivotal role in winning three consecutive Dutch Eredivisie titles for Ajax, contributing to the team’s dominance in the domestic league.
However, it was on the European stage where George truly shone. His crowning achievement came in the 1994/1995 season when Ajax clinched the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy. Finidi’s talent played a crucial part in Ajax’s European triumph, etching his name into the club’s illustrious history.
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In addition to his Champions League triumph, George also tasted success in other prestigious competitions. He claimed victory in the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, further solidifying his legacy as one of Ajax’s most celebrated players.
Troost-Ekong has shared via a recent Instagram post that he has commenced light training and physical exercises.
It’s anticipated that the PAOK defender will make a return to action before the conclusion of the season.
He’s also poised to be back in contention for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin in June.
Troost-Ekong has been sidelined since February due to a rupture in the biceps femoris muscle of his right leg.
This setback adds to his previous injury struggles, as he had previously suffered a hamstring injury during the second group game against Ivory Coast at AFCON 2024.