Ekong became the second Nigerian defender after Christian Chukwu to win the prestigious Man of the Tournament award and the first since Rigobert Song won it at the 2002 edition in Mali. Interestingly, the defender almost did not make it to this tournament as he was close to calling time on his international career after being overlooked for over a year by Jose Peseiro. And while going through an uncertain future with the Eagles, Ekong was in contact with his teammates and Peseiro each time the Eagles converged for games, wishing them well and reminding the coach of his availability.
Ekong eventually made the final squad and regained his place in the starting line up in Peseiro’s defence and did not just become a lynchpin of the back five, he showed exemplary leadership at the back. He also led by example and was one of the best performers in the Eagles side that soared from whom not much was expected when they left for the tournament to reach the final. Few players have led the Eagles with such confidence, panache and fearlessness on the field as Ekong. He was never scared to take responsibility during crucial moments and has become a reliable defender.
During the penalty shootout against South Africa, Ekong was to take the last spot kick but stepped forward to convert the fourth kick after Ola Aina had missed his effort from 12 yards. To add to his growing legendary status, his goal against Ivory Coast in the final took his tally to five, making him Nigeria’s highest-scoring defender in the history of the AFCON tournament. The PAOK Salonica defender also made history at the tournament, becoming the first defender to score three goals in a single AFCON tourney since 2010 according to Opta.
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