Break the spell: Super Eagles star scores first Serie A goal after 73 attempts

In a momentous breakthrough, Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong found the back of the net for the first time in Serie A, ending a long-awaited goal drought spanning 73 appearances, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The landmark goal came during Salernitana’s enthralling 3-2 triumph over Udinese on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

The 29-year-old center-back’s decisive strike proved to be the match-winner, securing a crucial victory for Salernitana.

Interestingly, Troost-Ekong had previously featured in 65 games across two seasons for Udinese without managing to score a single goal.

After departing Udinese, the former Gent star spent the first of his two-and-a-half-year stay at Watford in the English Championship, where he played a vital role in helping the Hornets secure promotion to the Premier League.

However, following Watford’s relegation from the top flight after just one season, Troost-Ekong returned to Italy in January, joining struggling Salernitana.

Despite being hindered by injuries and limited to a mere eight appearances, the tenacious defender seized his opportunity in the penultimate game of the season.

Starting at the heart of a three-man defence, Troost-Ekong witnessed his team fall behind to two first-half goals.

However, a spirited comeback led by Kastsnos and Candreva, who netted on either side of halftime, set the stage for Troost-Ekong’s heroics.

Deep into stoppage time, Troost-Ekong unleashed his winning strike, sealing victory for Salernitana and etching his name in the club’s history books with his long-awaited maiden Serie A goal.

With their Serie A status secured weeks ago, Salernitana will conclude their 2022/2023 campaign with an away fixture against relegated Cremonese in their final match.

Troost-Ekong’s breakthrough goal provides an exhilarating finale to a challenging season, igniting hope for more success in the defender’s career.