William Paul Ekong centre-back played a pivotal role, leading the Super Eagles to their first final appearance since 2013. Despite scoring the opening
William Paul Ekong centre-back played a pivotal role, leading the Super Eagles to their first final appearance since 2013. Despite scoring the opening goal, he couldn’t prevent his team from succumbing to goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.
The 30-year-old’s three goals throughout the tournament stand as a record for defenders in the past two decades.
Emilio Nsue, captain and striker for Equatorial Guinea, claimed the Golden Boot with five goals. The 34-year-old netted a hat-trick against Cote d’Ivoire Coast in the group stage, becoming the oldest player to achieve the feat in AFCON history.
Cote d’Ivoire hero and coach Emerse Fae won the best coach award while Simon Adingra scooped the Best Youn Player award.
South Africa’s Ronwen Williams secured the Best Goalkeeper award for his standout performance in the quarter-finals, saving four out of five penalties in the shootout against Cape Verde. His team also bagged the Fair Play award.
List of awards
Best player
William Ekong (Nigeria)
Best keeper
Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Best coach
Emerse Fae (Cote d’Ivoire)
Best young player
Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire)
Top scorer
Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea), 5 goals
Gelson Dala (Angola), 4 goals
Mostafa Mohamed (Egypt), 4 goals
Fair play
South Africa
COMMENTS