Nigerian international William Troost-Ekong netted his first goal for Al-Kholood FC, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 3-1 defeat to Al-Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.
The Nigerian defender, who recently joined Al-Kholood from Greece’s PAOK, showcased his attacking prowess with a powerful header from a set-piece. This goal marked a significant personal milestone as he continues to adapt to the Saudi top-flight league.
Despite Troost-Ekong’s contribution, Al-Kholood struggled defensively, with Al-Khaleej exploiting gaps in the backline to secure a comfortable victory. The defeat leaves Al-Kholood near the bottom of the standings, raising concerns about their form early in the season.
Troost-Ekong, 31, has been a key player for Nigeria and previously captained the Super Eagles in international competitions, including the 2023 AFCON, where he was named the tournament’s best player. His move to Al-Kholood came after a successful stint in Europe, where he won the Greek Super League with PAOK.
Speaking after the match, Troost-Ekong expressed disappointment in the result but remained optimistic about his future at the club, emphasizing his desire to lead by example and help turn around the team’s fortunes. “I’m proud to score my first goal, but we need to be more cohesive as a team and bounce back stronger,” he said.
Al-Kholood will hope to find form in the coming fixtures as they look to climb the table, with Troost-Ekong set to play a pivotal role both defensively and offensively.
