Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, and defender, Ola Aina, have sent encouraging messages to the Nigerian national team ahead of their semi-final clash against Morocco.
Troost-Ekong expressed his pride in the team’s progress and confidence in their ability to win against the host nation.
He noted that the team’s midfield balance and rotation are yielding positive results and predicted that a win over Morocco would propel Nigeria to the title.
“My brothers, the day is here and I cannot tell you how excited I am to watch you guys beat Morocco tonight. I’m more than proud to have been a part of your team and what you guys are achieving now.
“It’s been game after game, getting better and better. The rotation is working now.
“If you win this game against Morocco, you guys are going to lift the trophy. Stick together, enjoy the moment.
“These moments only come sometimes in life. Enjoy it because it’s going to be some of the best moments of your life, stick together and fight together”, he said.
Ola Aina also praised the players and technical crew, commending their collective effort at the competition.
He wished the team all the best in the semi-finals and expressed his pride in their performance.
“I just want to wish you guys all the very best in the semi-finals. To all the players, the technical crew, the manager, coaches, physios and doctors, everyone that are there is doing a fantastic job.
“It’s been amazing seeing you guys play the way we know you can play. I’ll be rooting for you from home, sending you all my prayers and well wishes man” he said.
The Super Eagles have been impressive in the tournament, winning all five matches played so far and scoring more goals than any other team.
They will face Morocco, who have recorded four victories and one draw, in the semi-finals today.
Former Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has described his retirement from international football as “bittersweet” after more than ten years of representing Nigeria.
His departure has sparked emotional reactions within the squad, with midfielder Alex Iwobi leading the tributes.
Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement last Thursday, said the decision came after long reflection on his journey with the national team.
“It’s been a lot of time and thinking that has gone into this decision. I just felt like it was the right time for me,” he said. “I’ve had such a great run with the Super Eagles, to be part of that team for over 10 years.”
He admitted that missing out on the FIFA World Cup influenced the timing of his retirement, calling it one of his unfulfilled goals.
“The decision was slightly weighed by missing out on the World Cup. That was one of my big targets for how I envisioned ending my time with the team.”
Troost-Ekong added that stepping aside felt right as younger players continue to emerge in the squad.
“It felt like a gradual passing of the baton. It just felt like the right time to step away and let the next generation, the boys I’ve been with, have a chance to write their own story.”
The 31-year-old confessed the moment was emotional but necessary. “Yeah, it feels sad, a bit bittersweet, but it just felt like the right time for me.”
His retirement has been felt strongly within the team, with Iwobi describing the announcement as painful.
“It’s obviously a sad one for us because he’s a big part of our team,” Iwobi said. “He’s a brother. He’s helped Nigeria, he’s helped me, and I just hope that the next chapter goes well for him.”
Iwobi stressed that even when Ekong was not playing regularly toward the end of his career, his leadership remained a key part of the squad’s identity.
“Towards the end he wasn’t playing as much as he would have liked, but he was still a big part of our team. His voice, the way he was leading us, the way he made sure the togetherness in the team was strong… he’ll be very missed. He was a big leader for us.”
William Troost-Ekong has opened up on why he chose to retire from the international football ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 32-year-old centre-back officially drew the curtain on his international career on Thursday, bringing an end to nearly a decade of service to Nigeria.
Despite being included in Éric Chelle’s provisional list for next year’s AFCON, Troost-Ekong said he would not be part of the squad for the tournament.
According to the former Super Eagles captain, the moment felt right for him to step aside and give room for a younger generation to take the mantle.
“Now is the moment for them to claim that,” Troost-Ekong said in an interview with the Standard.
“The team is ready because we’ve got great leaders.
“I think there is a natural progression and there is an art in knowing when to step away.”
“Selfishly, I would have loved to lift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and play at one more World Cup.
“But the thing that has given me the most joy now is I get messages from young boys saying they want to play for the Super Eagles.
“They say they look up to me. Those are things you don’t start playing football for, but once they happen, they give you a real sense of pride.”
Super Eagles captain Williams Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football.
In a heartfelt post on his official X page, the 32-year-old skipper wrote, “Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”
Troost-Ekong retired with 83 caps, three medals, participation in five major tournaments, and a record as the highest goal-scoring defender in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) history with five goals.
The Super Eagles are preparing for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, aiming to clinch the title for the fourth time after reaching the finals in the 2023 edition.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is said to be weighing the possibility of retiring from international duty following Nigeria’s disappointing failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The speculation comes after the team’s recent defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a result that has intensified criticism of the squad’s overall performance.
Respected journalist Mike Osarieme( MikeThePundit ) revealed that the veteran defender may step away from the national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco this December.
In a post on X, Mike explained that the 32-year-old confided in his teammates during an emotional discussion in the dressing room after the loss to DR Congo, expressing uncertainty about his future with the Super Eagles.
According to MikeThePundit, Troost-Ekong told his teammates: “I will watch you as a fan at the AFCON.”
This signals a possible decision to withdraw from international football. His remarks highlight both his frustration and a potential shift in his dedication to the national team after a series of underwhelming results.
Although he remains the team’s captain, Troost-Ekong’s role has diminished in recent months, as he has been left out of the starting team in the last three matches involving the Super Eagles .
His reduced playing time may be contributing to his contemplation of retirement.
Currently on the books of Al-Kholood in Saudi Arabia, the defender now faces an uncertain future with the Super Eagles as he evaluates his next steps.
Captain William Ekong has admitted that the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo will be a mountain to climb in Sunday’s Final of the FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament.
However, he has assured that the Super Eagles have the ammunition to prevail at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan.
Both countries, who share five African titles between them, clash in a high-stakes game that will produce Africa’s representative at the Intercontinental Playoffs for two more slots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. That tournament will take place in Mexico in four months.
“There is no doubt that the Congolese will be a big challenge. They got here because they are tough and ambitious, and also want to go to the World Cup.
“However, we have a large group of players here, 24 of them, out of which only about four of us have been to the World Cup (in 2018). There is that adrenalin flowing in their system to go to the World Cup and I see it as a big motivation for us to conquer on Sunday.”
Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Chidozie Awaziem are the only members of the present squad who were part of the squad to Russia 2018.
Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will ultimately secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria kept their qualification hopes alive on Tuesday with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in their final Group C fixture. Star striker Victor Osimhen bagged a hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka added the fourth goal to complete the rout.
Despite the dominant win, the result was not enough to earn Nigeria the automatic qualification spot, but it did confirm their place in the African playoffs.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana sealed top position in Group C after a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda in their final group game, also played on Tuesday.
Speaking in the post-match presser, Troost-Ekong said: “Getting here wasn’t easy. We’ll take it one game at a time, and I believe we’re going to make it.
“I’m proud to be part of this team, part of this family. The boys are playing just like they do for their clubs. We need to keep supporting them.”
Lagos fans were happy to receive Super Eagles players back to the economic-hub center of Nigeria, penultimate Sunday, for the Troost-Ekong Foundation Charity Match.
The exciting mood on the faces of hundreds of fans that came out led by the Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said it all. The field was equally exciting with the Super Eagles captain attracting all the big star footballers and more from other fields. Among them are Eagles goal king Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, and Odion Ighalo.
There were equally more celebrities like AY Makun, Broda Shaggi, Mayorkun, and ex-Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins.
Troost-Ekong was happy with the turnout at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena Onikan. He spoke at length about his charity organisation, which he claimed is a big deal for him. He is of the opinion that charity is bigger than football.
“Charity is the way to give back to the community and the people. It is a big deal all over the world and what makes the world go round. Charity is bigger than football, and I’m happy with the turnout. I’m happy that Mr. Governor has come out to be with us, happy for the turnout of my friends and celebrities, as well as Lagosians. The support of everyone is tremendous.”
The 31-year-old defender, who has celebrated 10 years with the Nigerian national team, said the foundation will outgrow him beyond the Super Eagles.
“This (foundation) is what will remain after I would have left the Super Eagles. It is a key and I’m happy for the support of my colleagues. We are on the move.”
He said the foundation has been set up in such a way that it will be sustainable. “We have a trusted team who knows about running charity foundation. We have done all that is needed to sustain it and make it work without hindrance.”
Our Mission
According to the official website of Troost-Ekong Foundation, the mission ‘is to empower Nigerian and African youth with football and education to inspire success, resilience, and community leadership.”
The non-profit organization is “looking to make a direct impact by improving local schools and orphanages in Uyo- AkwaIbom,” where the player was born.
Furthermore, “our goal is to empower the youth by creating opportunities for them to better themselves whilst lending a helping hand.”
This will be done through partnership with other organisations. “By partnering with existing good-will organizations locally we aim to give financial support to improve or rebuild current facilities, but also focusing on the training and job opportunities for adults in order to provide the sufficient care and education for the youth that they are already caring for.”
The Lagos launch of the foundation was a success, according to the founder.
“Lagos isn’t new to me. I spent a lot of my childhood in Ikeja. My dad still lives here. So it’s like coming home. I came with my children and siblings. I’m very much at home here.
This year, we had so many requests to bring our foundation charity match to Lagos. We’ve been working on it for about six months, and now it has finally happened.
“We’re playing to raise funds and awareness for the underprivileged children we support through the Foundation. I’m happy with the turnout and what a massive success it has turned out to be.”
Our work began back home in Uyo. We want to give kids the chance to dream and build their own futures. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m really proud of how far we’ve come.”
For Ekong, the charity match is not just an event—it’s a platform to inspire and empower. He encourages his fellow footballers and celebrities to use their influence for good.
“Because I’ve had the chance to live my dream—to play football at the highest level—I feel it’s important to use my platform for something meaningful.”
In the evening of fun, thrill and football, the foundation was able to raise over N40 million, which will go into the core mission of it: supporting orphans and vulnerable children, through housing, education, and sport.
Super Eagles
He may not have said it Troost-Ekong is already planning ahead for life after football, while reflecting on his decade-long journey with the Super Eagles and the mission behind his growing philanthropic efforts.
“Ten years is not easy, especially with such a dynamic team like the Super Eagles. It’s still a huge honour for me every time I get to wear the jersey. And now, to wear the captain’s armband makes it even more special. After making his debut for the Super Eagles under Stephen Keshi, he has amassed 79 caps and three medals to his name. He was named the Most Valuable Player by CAF after the last Africa Football Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“Nigeria has given me so much, and I’m extremely grateful. Starting the foundation was my way of giving back.”
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has shared heartfelt reflections on his decade- long journey with Nigeria’s national team, highlighting moments of pride, personal growth, and lessons’ learned along the way.
The experienced centre back recounted the significance of his Super Eagles debut, which came under the late Stephen Keshi on 13 June 2015 in Kaduna. He described the call-up as a “very special moment” that launched a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs.
“It’s been a long journey since then,” Ekong said in an interview with Pulse . “There’s been a silver medal, and now there’s one more stop left we’re going for gold at the next AFCON.”
He further revelled in the joy of being the captain of the three-time African champions.
“To be the captain is something very special. It’s probably my biggest achievement and pride,” he noted.
The former Watford and PAOK defender has represented Nigeria in five major tournament including the World Cup, Olympics, and three Africa Cup of Nations campaigns securing a silver medal and bronze medal along the way.
Yet Ekong didn’t shy away from the tough times as he recalled the penalty he gave away against Croatia in the 2018 World Cup as a low point, calling it a “real learning moment” in his career.
However, he bounced back to deliver solid performances against Iceland and Argentina in the same tournament.
“I’m not trying to act perfect,” he said. “What people saw in the last tournament (2023 AFCON) is the result of years of experience, mistakes, and constant improvement.”
Ekong stressed the importance of playing with courage: “You have to play fearless to give your best version. I never think about mistakes I just do my best.”
With another AFCON on the horizon, Nigeria’s captain remains focused, driven, and more determined than ever.
Super Eagles captain William Ekong opened scoring for Al Kholood in a 4-3 loss to championship challengers Al Ittihad in the Saudi Arabian Super League today.
