Nigeria captain, William Troost-Ekong, has been crowned the Best Player of the Tournament after putting up some incredible performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The centre-back has provided inspirational leadership for the Super Eagles at the tournament despite losing in the final to the hosts Côte d’Ivoire.

Ekong scored three goals in seven games; the winner against the host nation in the group stage from the spot, another penalty against South Africa, and a header against Côte d’Ivoire.

In the final on Saturday, Ekong had put Nigeria ahead seven minutes before the end of a cagey first half when the centre-back rose highest to powerfully head in from nine yards out following a corner.

Franck Kessie nodded in the equaliser in the 62nd minute when he was left unmarked at the back post from Adingra's corner.

After a remarkable run to the final, which included the departure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset after two defeats in the group stage, the Ivorians clinched a third continental title with a deserved victory.

The West Africans add to their previous Nations Cup wins in 1992 and 2015 and become the first tournament hosts to triumph since Egypt lifted the trophy in 2006.