William Troost-Ekong played a crucial role in PAOK Thessaloniki’s narrow 3-2 victory over FK Borac Banja Luka in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening.
The Nigeria captain’s header proved to be the difference between the two sides at the Toumba Stadium.
Despite being heavy favorites against a Borac Banja Luka side that had comfortably dispatched Egnatia Rrogozhine, the Greek champions were made to fight for the win.
The two sides will meet again in a week's time to decide which team will progress to the next round. PAOK, buoyed by Troost-Ekong's winner, will be looking to secure their place in the next round with a draw in the return leg at the Banja Luka City Stadium.
Super Eagles skipper Troost-Ekong makes triumphant return
The Nigeria captain was named in the starting XI for the first competitive game of the season, and repaid his coach with a bullet header that sealed a nervy victory in Thessaloniki.
Troost-Ekong sustained an injury shortly after participating in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where he played a pivotal role in helping the Super Eagles secure an impressive second-place finish.
The 30-year-old would later reveal that he played through the pain during the tournament. Following medical advice, he underwent surgery after aggravating the injury.
The surgery sidelined Troost-Ekong for an extended period. Although he resumed training towards the end of last season, he was not deemed fit enough to play for his club. Due to ongoing fitness concerns, he was also excluded from Nigeria's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.