Player Tottenham let go for free has just been named Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament

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Tottenham had a number of representatives at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations as the likes of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr travelled to the Ivory Coast.

There was also a product of the Spurs academy at the prestigious tournament in William Troost-Ekong.

The 30-year-old captained Nigeria all the way to the final, but sadly suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Ivory Coast at the last hurdle.

Despite that disappointing result, Tottenham academy product William Troost-Ekong still earned significant recognition for his performances at the Africa Cup of Nations…

William Troost-Ekong named Player of the Tournament

Well, things did not actually work out for the man from Haarlem at Tottenham.

Troost-Ekong was released by Spurs in 2013 before kickstarting his professional career with Groningen in the Netherlands.

Now – however – the towering defender has been named Player of the Tournament at the Africa Cup of Nations, which is quite the achievement for someone who certainly did not have it easy at the start of his career.

Troost-Ekong impressively scored three goals in six appearances throughout the Africa Cup of Nations.

One of those strikes actually put Nigeria 1-0 up in the final against Ivory Coast, although goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller ensured the host nation turned things around.

While the Player of the Tournament award is unlikely to make Troost-Ekong feel any better about losing the final, he can still be immensely proud of his efforts.

The PAOK No.15 may only have been at Tottenham from 2010 to 2013 – when he was eventually released – although we are sure that those within Hotspur Way are still proud of the defender’s achievement.

William Troost-Ekong profile

Full name: William Paul Troost-Ekong

Age: 30

Height: 6ft 3in (1.91m)

Date of birth: 1st September 1993

Place of birth: Haarlem

Nationality: Nigeria

Club: PAOK

Position: Central defender

Salary: £16,000-a-week