The Akwa Ibom State Referees Council has officially expressed its profound gratitude to former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, following a generous donation of state-of-the-art officiating kits to the council. This presentation, made through the Troost-Ekong Foundation, represents a significant boost for grassroots football development and refereeing standards in the region.
The officiating kits were handed over during the highly anticipated grand finale of the Troost-Ekong Foundation Secondary Schools Football Tournament, which took place in Uyo on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The tournament itself has been hailed as a major success, bringing together young talent from across Akwa Ibom State, but the gesture towards the match officials stole headlines as a rare and highly appreciated act of philanthropy.
In an official statement, the leadership of the Akwa Ibom State Referees Council praised the veteran defender for his thoughtfulness and consistent support of the local sports ecosystem. They noted that the donation of high-quality gear—ranging from jerseys and flags to modern communication and officiating accessories—would go a long way in enhancing the professionalism, confidence, and overall performance of referees officiating local matches.
“We are deeply touched by this gesture from William Troost-Ekong,” a representative of the council remarked. “Often, grassroots tournaments focus solely on the players, neglecting the crucial role that referees play in the development of the game. Troost-Ekong has shown that he understands the holistic needs of football development. This donation will motivate our referees to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism on the pitch.”
Troost-Ekong, who has strong ancestral roots in Akwa Ibom State, has increasingly used his foundation to give back to the community. By investing in youth sports and supporting the critical structures that facilitate fair play, such as refereeing, the former national team captain is leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond his achievements on the international stage.
As grassroots football continues to grow in Nigeria, partnerships between philanthropic athletes and local sports governing bodies remain vital. The Akwa Ibom State Referees Council concluded their message by wishing Troost-Ekong continued success in his career and personal endeavors, calling on other sports personalities to emulate his exemplary community-driven initiatives.
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