Former Nigeria Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has been named as one of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 Qualification Draw assistants, www.aclsports.com reports.
The 2023 AFCON silver medallist is joined by other African legends, Max-Alain Gradel, Essam El Hadary, and Trésor Mputu for the historic draw, which will be staged in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday, 19 May.
The Qualification Draw will take place at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association from 15h00 local time (13h00 Nigerian time) and will be live on CAF TV.
For the Nigeria national football team, Troost-Ekong delivered in major tournaments and pressure moments. The 32-year-old played key roles at multiple AFCONs, and he was named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
Max-Alain Gradel (Côte d’Ivoire) represented The Elephants at multiple AFCON tournaments and FIFA World Cups, lifting the continental trophy at both the 2015 and 2023 editions.
Meanwhile, Essam El Hadary (Egypt) – the legendary goalkeeper won four AFCON titles with Egypt and played a defining role in their historic three successive triumphs between 2006 and 2010. His longevity, medal haul, and influence make him one of Africa’s true football icons.
Trésor Mputu (DR Congo) is often described as one of the finest African footballers never to play in Europe, yet his legend was built on dominance at home and across the continent. He helped TP Mazembe win multiple continental titles, including back-to-back CAF Champions League trophies. He also won the defunct CHAN tournament with DR Congo.
Next year’s AFCON, tagged PAMOJA 2027, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, and CAF has previously announced the key dates.
