AFCON 2023 hero excited by Finidi George's powerful presence and experience

The Super Eagles superstar believes great guy Finidi George is too humble for his achievements as a player and coach.

The leader of Nigeria's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad William Troost-Ekong has paid a glowing tribute to new Super Eagles head coach Finidi George.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Troost-Ekong has hailed the humility and experience of the Eagles legend as he prepares to lead the team permanently.

AFCON 2023 Icon Hails Finidi George

Troost-Ekong, who grew up just outside Amsterdam before embarking on a journey that has now taken him to Greece, revealed how Finidi's exploits at Ajax made him a revered figure during his formative years.

"Finidi George is a legend, I think in African and Nigerian football," Troost-Ekong said in a video posted on social media by Nigerian journalist Jolade.

"Even here in Greece when we talk about players, people always have to speak about ex-Nigerian players to me and Finidi is always mentioned, especially growing up in Holland just outside Amsterdam.

"For someone that played for Ajax and won so much there, again someone that I looked up to and feel very related to in some sense."

Despite Finidi's lofty standing and trophy-laden career, the AFCON 2023 Most Valuable Player, who played through a pain barrier in Cote d’Ivoire, insisted the 53-year-old has never lost his humble approach, even as he took the interim coaching reins.

"Having experienced him being around the team now for a few years, yeah he's always been someone who's very humble. I think someone that's too humble for what he's achieved," the player added.

He also highlighted Finidi's success in leading Enyimba to the Nigerian league title last season as evidence of his credentials for the Super Eagles role.

"Everyone knows the work he's done with Enyimba last year when he won the league."

"So, for him to get this chance now to be the head coach and see what's gonna happen after, I am very happy to see that."

The national team star concluded by praising Finidi's man-management skills and ability to command respect through his words and deeds.

"He's a great guy, he can be quite quiet - when he was before he chose to speak to players one-on-one, he would definitely raise his voice when he had something important to say which made it even more powerful when he did and yeah he has so much experience that we can't deny that."

Troost-Ekong missed Finidi’s first two matches as interim manager in Morocco but is expected to play an important role when the NPFL winner begins his role against South Africa next month. 

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