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Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong made a triumphant return from injury to inspire Al Kholood to a 2-1 victory over Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League, Footynaija.com reports.
Troost-Ekong, who was named Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, had missed his side’s last two matches, including the 5-1 defeat to Al Hilal last weekend.
There were fears the injury could sideline him for longer, potentially ruling him out of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
However, the experienced defender quashed those doubts by returning to the starting lineup and delivering a commanding performance as Al Kholood claimed a hard-fought win.
Mohamed Sherif gave the visitors an early lead after just eight minutes, but two first-half penalties from Jackson Muleka and Myziane Maolida turned the game in Al Kholood’s favour.
Troost-Ekong’s solid display will boost Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming clashes against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 and Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later.
Did you know William Troost-Ekong holds the record for being the highest scoring defender in the history of AFCON with 5 goals?
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) February 20, 2025
He surpassed Steven Keshi’s record of 4 goals at the 2023 AFCON pic.twitter.com/rCx9CTfZMZ
Nigerians on target across Europe
In Turkey’s 1. Lig, Francis Ezeh continued his fine form by scoring his third goal in seven appearances to fire Ankara Keçiörengücü to a 2-0 away win at Pendikspor.
In Switzerland’s Super League, Philip Otele provided an assist as Basel claimed a 2-0 home victory against Sion.
Over in Slovakia, Philip Azango was the match-winner as his solitary strike secured Spartak Trnava’s stunning 1-0 away win at Slovan Bratislava.
In Scotland’s Premiership, Cyriel Dessers notched his 21st goal of the season but could not prevent Rangers from slipping to a 2-1 home defeat against Motherwell.
In Israel’s Ligat Ha’al, Adeniyi James scored Hapoel Hadera’s second goal in a thrilling contest, but Maccabi Tel Aviv staged a dramatic comeback to snatch a 3-2 away victory.
Etim, Olatunji star in Denmark and Czech Republic
In Denmark’s 1. Division, Monday Etim netted a superb brace to help Hillerød overturn a goal deficit and seal a 2-1 comeback win at Roskilde.
Meanwhile, in the Czech Liga, Victor Olatunji emerged as the hero for Sparta Prague — coming off the bench to score the winning goal in the 88th minute in a 2-1 triumph at Sigma Olomouc.
⏱️ 90. MINUTA
— AC Sparta Praha (@ACSparta_CZ) March 1, 2025
Navrátilovu tečovanou střelu nejdřív vytěsnil Vindahl na tyč. Poté jsme přešli do brejku, který úspěšně zakončil Olatunji. Po konzultaci s VAR pak byla branka potvrzena a vedeme 2:1! #acsparta
[OLO 1:2 ACS] pic.twitter.com/ppiTb7tP4p
Olatunji’s strike — his seventh league goal of the season — keeps Sparta within 10 points of leaders Slavia Prague in the title race.
