CAF Awards 2024 : Player of the Year [Men]

1. AFCON 2023 performance

Ekong turns up big at AFCONs and was named man of the match in at least one game in the 2019, 2021, and 2023 editions. AFCON 2023 was no exception, scoring three goals, two of which came against Ivory Coast in the group stage and final and the third in the semi-final against South Africa.

According to ESPN, he was one of the three Nigerians named in the team of the tournament. He was the competition’s most valuable player after helping Nigeria keep four clean sheets throughout the games. He also received the ANFA Award in recognition of his performances.

2. Leadership qualities and impact

Ekong was born in the Netherlands and switched his international allegiance to represent his father’s country, Nigeria, in 2015. He rose to the rank of vice-captain at AFCON 2021 and has been the on-field captain due to Ahmed Musa’s limited role. He has also been praised for his exceptional leadership qualities.

His professionalism and communication skills were fully displayed during the Super Eagles’ 16-hour airport hostage ordeal in Libya during the AFCON 2025 qualifier match against the Mediterranean Knights last month.

3. Title-winning season in Greece

The 31-year-old joined Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki at the start of the 2023/24 season and helped the team win the Greece Super League, playing 22 games in all competitions and missing others through injury and international assignment.

As noted by Transfer market, he helped the team keep clean sheets in more than half of the games he played but left the club after one season to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood.