Super Eagles skipper William Troost-Ekong has relived his excitement at playing at the African Cup of Nations  even as  he  warned those in the unholy habit of  belittling the continental football showpiece.

Ekong led Nigeria to the second spot at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire where he was voted the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Despite representing Nigeria at the  Russia  2028 FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, Ekong said he feels more connection with the AFCON and that he is delighted to have made it to three editions already.

The former Watford and Udinese defender recognized  talents that are daily emerging from the African continent, adding  African  stars deserves  commendation  than condemnation.

“Africa as a continent continues to reveal itself. A new generation of exciting talents continuously emerging.  Building on the household names and legendary players that paved the way. This should be recognised and celebrated by all,” Ekong, said in a long post on  X (formerly Twitter).”I am proud to have played club football in 7 nations across continents, and what I see everywhere is the power of football uniting people.  Internationally, representing Nigeria at the Olympics, World Cup and now 3 AFCON’s it’s the latter that I pride myself on the most.”

Ekong profiled the current African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman who was the Best player of the last season’s UEFA Europa League after scoring a sensational hat trick in the final and also helping Atalanta with his goals in the ongoing Champions League before their recent exit.