January 15, (THEWILL) – William Troost-Ekong made history on Sunday, becoming the first footballer to wear sustainably-made football boots at an international tournament. The defender debuted customised boots from eco-friendly brand Sokito during Nigeria’s opening Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Equatorial Guinea.
The unique Sokito boots feature a design inspired by the Nigerian landscape and incorporate the green colourway of the national team’s iconic kit. They are notably made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, corn waste and sugarcane.
Speaking about his decision, Troost-Ekong said: “I enjoyed being part of the boot development process and I love the vibrant design and connection to nature.” Sokito founder, Jake Hardy, also praised the captain’s commitment to sustainability in football.
Troost-Ekong is one of 16 professional players who invested in London-based startup Sokito in 2023. The company produces boots made from recycled and plant-based materials to reduce environmental impact.
Discussing his reasons for investing, the defender cited an alignment in outlooks and Sokito’s pledges to offset players’ carbon footprints. His debut of the custom boots at AFCON 2024 highlights the increasing attention on sustainability in football.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
