Troost-Ekong scores in defeat in the face of the title of pursuing Al-Titihad

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The captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, found the network for Al-Kholood, but it was not enough to avoid a 4-3 defeat against Al-Ite Saturday.

Troost-Ekong gave Al-Kholood a dream start, increasing the highest to return home from a corner in the 15th minute his second goal of the season.

Eight minutes later, Myziane Maolida doubled her leadership, putting visitors in a dominant position.

However, Al-Titihad responded quickly. Abdulrahman Al-Oboud withdrew one in the 35th minute before Dutch striker Steven Bergwijn turned a penalty into the part-time blow to level the score in 2-2.

The second half saw more drama, with al-titihad completing his return. N’Golo Kanté prepared Hassan Kadish to put the hosts ahead for the first time in the 47th minute.

Bergwijn then hit again, ensuring an orthopedic device and giving Al-Idihad a two-goal mattress.

Maolida hit Al-Kholood again to put the 4-3, establishing a nervous end, but al-Ititihad remained firm to secure the three points.

Nigerian players in action

Troost-Ekong played the full 90 minutes, scoring once and completing 20 of his 24 attempts to attempt.

The Nigerian defender was an outstanding artist on the back, making 10 authorizations, the highest in the game, while blocked a shot and made an interception.

He had 42 touches, won two aerial duels and tried a shot in the target and one outside the goal.

Meanwhile, the young Nigerian Ambrose Ochiegbo made his debut for Al-Kholood, arriving as a substitute in the 76th minute.

Classification of the league and what follows

Al-Kholood currently sits 12th in the table with 19 points of 17 games, while Al-Titihad remains the second with 43 points.

With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March, the leadership and Ekong’s shape will be crucial for the Super Eagles as they point to a strong campaign.