Nigeria defender Troost Ekong, who is in Russia for the 2018 World Cup, is the first member of the Common Goal team to announce the campaign, with other players set to follow throughout the tournament, according to a statement from his media team. He plans to raise €5,000 personally, but the collective aim is to raise €250,000 before the World Cup ends on July 15.
Troost-Ekong’s announcement also marks the first time that football fans from around the world have the chance to participate in the Common Goal movement via the new website – www.common-goal.org/worldcup.
“In a few short days, I will step onto the pitch in green and white to play in my first World Cup tournament for the Nigerian national team,” Troost-Ekong said. “It is an incredible honour and responsibility. During this World Cup tournament, myself and other members of the Common Goal team will be hosting fundraisers to support football for good organisations and we have a goal of raising €250,000 as a team during the World Cup. Together I think we can do it!” he added.
Common Goal started with a single player, Juan Mata, in August 2017 and has currently raised over €700,000 for football charities all over the world.