I scored against I’Coast with bamboo, sugar cane boots – Troost-Ekong News

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I scored against I’Coast with bamboo, sugar cane boots – Troost-Ekong

By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 22, 2024

Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong is playing the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast with an eco-friendly pair of boots made from bamboo, with which he scored Nigeria’s only goal and match winner against hosts Ivory Coast last Thursday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

As per onefootbal.com, Troost-Ekong is the first footballer to wear sustainably-made football boots during an international tournament after debuting them in Nigeria’s first game against Equatorial Guinea last Sunday.

The boots, which feature a unique design inspired by Nigeria’s landscape and incorporate the green colour of the team’s iconic home and away kits, became more popular after Troost-Ekong scored the penalty which gave Nigeria the 1-0 win over Ivory Coast last Thursday.

“These boots are something that I’m passionate about, and it’s exciting that I get to use them first at this tournament. We’ve got a special homage to Nigeria with the design and I’ve been happy to try them. For me to be wearing a boot made from bamboo, sugarcane and a lot of things that can be 100 percent recycled, I think it’s the future of football,” Troost-Ekong told Sky Sports.

“They are tried and tested at this stage and seem to be working out well for me so far and I am glad to see a lot of players playing in them. Although it’s not out yet, I’m giving away 10 pairs on my Instagram,” the player added.

The 30-year-old has now scored three goals at three AFCON tournaments for Nigeria – in 2019, 2021 and 2023. Overall, he has scored four times for the country in 64 appearances.

The PAOK defender has been leading Nigeria’s team on the field at the AFCON, where the Eagles are aiming to win a fourth title.

After a poor start against Equatorial Guinea, Jose Peseiro’s men bettered their chances of making it out of the group stage with the 1-0 win over Ivory Coast and will be seeking to end the group stage on a high with a win over Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria are currently second in the group on goal difference, having amassed four points in their first two games, just as leaders Equatorial Guinea. A win will put the Eagles in pole position to top the group, as hosts Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea will also battle simultaneously for the round of 16 spots.

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 22, 2024