Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong, has donated a percentage of his annual income to support people in Nigeria receiving treatment against Neglected Tropical diseases.
Troost-Ekong financial contribution specifically goes to Nigerians living in Ondo State receiving treatment from NTDs.
According to statistics from the World Health Organisation, over 600 million people in Africa are at risk of these life-limiting diseases, while in Ondo, about 5.2 million residents are currently receiving treatment for NTDs.
The 18 Local Government Areas in the state are endemic to four major NTDs namely Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminths.
“It’s a step in the right direction, but still a long way to go with over 600 million people in Africa affected, and 1.7 billion globally,” Troost-Ekong said.
“I am extremely proud of my African heritage and it is a great honour for me to captain the Nigerian national team.
“As a footballer and a captain people listen to what I have to say, and to me, it is important to use my voice in the right way.
Guinea-Bissau awaits approval for Eagles clash
The Football Federation of Guinea-Bissau is awaiting approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro de Bissau next month.
The Wild Dogs are due to host Nigeria on match-day four of the AFCON qualification series but at the moment, Guinea-Bissau do not have a CAF-approved playing turf in the country of slightly over two million people.
On Thursday, CAF inspected the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro de Bissau ahead of the fixture.
“The Football Federation of Guinea-Bissau has revealed that they are awaiting approval from the Confederation of African Football the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro de Bissau,” a member of CAF’s media team Ablam Gnamesso wrote on Twitter.
“(FFGB) confirms that CAF has inspected the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro de Bissau, for its approval. The stadium is expected to host the CAN 2023 qualifier between Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria next March.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
