Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has been entrusted with added responsibilities at Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood, following a landmark American acquisition that has reshaped the club’s future, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria defender joined Al Kholood in August 2024 after leaving Greek side PAOK.
Troost-Ekong played a pivotal role in helping the newly promoted outfit secure a respectable ninth-place finish in their debut Roshn Saudi League campaign, avoiding the drop in the process.
A first #RoshnSaudiLeague goal for Al Kholood’s @WTroostEkong #KHOHIL pic.twitter.com/2PjUO6FRdM
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) September 28, 2024
This season, the 32-year-old centre-back has been named club captain.
But his influence will now extend far beyond the pitch after Al Kholood became the first foreign-owned club in Saudi Arabia’s top flight, with U.S.-based Harburg Group taking control this summer.
Ben Harburg, chairman of the Harburg Group, revealed that Troost-Ekong’s leadership qualities made him central to their transition plan.
“To have someone like William [Troost-Ekong] on my team is a dream come true,” Harburg told SPL.
“And more importantly, because he’s a tremendous human being.
“He’s a great leader, he’s very mature, he’s seen everything, he’s played everywhere and, as a club, with the instability and challenge that we’re facing at this handover, is absolutely essential to that.
“So, we certainly spend more talking with him than most and asking him – which he’s doing – to play this role as a ballast, to stabilise us and balance us during a really challenging time. That’s the No.1 thing he provides today, is that maturity and leadership in the locker room. In the future, we’re excited to find ways to activate him and engage with his fans in Nigeria and around the world.”
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William Troost-Ekong: A heroic Nigerian voice in the Middle East
Troost-Ekong, who was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, has represented Nigeria since 2015 and has amassed more than 80 caps.
He enjoyed a standout 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named the Player of the Tournament award. The former PAOK star has managed five goals at the AFCON, a record tally for a defender in the history of the tournament.
Having previously turned out for Gent, Bursaspor, Udinese and Watford, the Super Eagles skipper is now one of the most influential African voices in Middle Eastern football.
Al Kholood, beaten 2-0 by Al Nassr on the opening weekend, host Damac in Ar Rass tomorrow for their first home match since the takeover.