Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong, has urged governments at all levels, as well as all stakeholders to use sports to elevate society.
According to Ekong, a collaboration of governments and the private sector can help build a strong and economically stable youth population, adding that Nigeria’s large youth population is enough to lift the country out of poverty if properly harnessed.
 
Speaking during his foundation’s (William Troost-Ekong Foundation) charity game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday, the Super Eagles skipper affirmed that the country is blessed with everything it needs to become a superpower in many ways.
 
“There is so much power in sports and we are trying to harness it for the foundation. My foundation is about creating football players; allowing young people to dream and do bigger and better things with their talents,” he said.
 
On the large support for his foundation’s drive for charity, Ekong said: “I could have never imagined having a charity game on this scale…  I am proud of all the Nigerians that have come together for a good thing.
 
“Now, we have seen the best of football artistry from the best footballers in Africa and of course, to an extent, across the world. After this, we will use the money raised here to help people.
 
“The football is the glamorous side, when we get to Uyo this week, we will meet with all the people who need our intervention in their lives.”

The second William Troost-Ekong Foundation’s charity game, tagged “Play for Purpose,” featured many Super Eagles stars including Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface, Stanley Nwabali, Odion Ighalo, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Obafemi Martins and Ahmed Musa, among others.
 
Former World Heavyweight Boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, also participated in the event alongside such artistes as Odumodu, Sabinus, AY, Bovi, Ebuka, Mayorkun, Shaggy, and Zlatan, among others.