Tag: William Troost-Ekong

Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong is set to begin a new chapter in his club career after agreeing to join Al Ahli SC of Qatar from Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood.

The move, confirmed by multiple reliable sources including transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, will see the experienced centre-back commit his future to the Qatari outfit until June 2028, underlining the club’s long-term plans with the Super Eagles star.

Troost-Ekong’s impending switch comes after a productive spell in Saudi Arabia, where he joined Al Kholood in August 2024. Despite his relatively short stay, the 32-year-old quickly established himself as a key figure at the club, earning the captain’s armband and becoming a leader both on and off the pitch.

His consistency and composure at the heart of defence made him one of Al Kholood’s standout performers.

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During his time with the Saudi side, Troost-Ekong featured in 49 competitive matches, bringing stability and experience to the back line.

His leadership qualities and tactical awareness were instrumental in helping the team navigate the challenges of top-flight football, attributes that have now attracted interest from the Qatari league.

The move to Al Ahli SC represents another significant step in a well-travelled career for the Netherlands-born Nigerian international. Troost-Ekong has previously played club football across several European leagues, including spells in the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, England and Greece, before making the transition to the Middle East. His adaptability and experience across different football cultures have remained defining traits of his career.

On the international stage, Ekong is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished defenders of the modern era. He captained the Super Eagles and earned over 80 international caps, playing a central role in Nigeria’s recent Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.

He later announced his retirement from international football in late 2025, opting to focus fully on his club career.

For Al Ahli SC, the acquisition of Ekong is seen as a major boost as the club looks to strengthen its squad with proven, high-level experience. His arrival is expected to add leadership, defensive solidity and professionalism to the team as they pursue their domestic and continental ambitions.

As Troost-Ekong prepares to settle in Qatar, the move offers him stability and a fresh challenge at this stage of his career. With a contract running until 2028, both player and club will be hoping the partnership delivers success, as the Nigerian defender looks to leave another strong imprint in the Middle Eastern football scene.

The 2023 AFCON  Most Valuable Player , William Troost-Ekong, has officially  announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a decade-long career with Nigeria’s senior national team.

The 31-year-old defender, who made his debut in 2015, confirmed that he will no longer represent the Super Eagles after earning 83 caps, winning three AFCON medals, and featuring in five major international tournaments, including two FIFA World Cups.

In his statement, Troost-Ekong expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians and reflected on what the journey has meant to him.

 “After 83 caps, three medals and playing in five major tournaments, the time has come for me to say goodbye to the Super Eagles. It has been the greatest honour of my career to wear the green and white of Nigeria,”  Ekong  who served  for long as the team’s vice-captain, said. “I am proud of everything we achieved together — the victories, the battles, the setbacks and the unforgettable moments that defined us as a team. Representing Nigeria gave me purpose, pride and memories that I will carry with me forever.”

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Troost-Ekong also paid tribute to teammates, coaches, the Nigeria Football Federation, and millions of supporters around the world.

 “To my coaches, teammates and every fan who supported me through the highs and lows — thank you. I hope I was able to inspire the next generation as much as Nigeria inspired me.”

The former Udinese, Watford and PAOK defender captained Nigeria at AFCON 2023, where he delivered one of the greatest individual tournament performances in Super Eagles’  history, scoring three goals and leading the team to a silver medal.

His leadership, commitment and defensive presence made him one of Nigeria’s most reliable figures over the last decade.

Troost-Ekong will continue his club career but takes a bow from the international stage as one of the most respected Super Eagles defenders of his generation.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is pleased that Wilfred Ndidi has been cleared to face the Democratic Republic of Congo, DAILY POST reports.

Ndidi was initially expected to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs final due to suspension. The 29-year-old received his second booking in the qualifying series against Gabon on Thursday night.

The Besiktas star has now been cleared by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, to feature against the Leopards on Sunday in Rabat.

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Troost-Ekong said the team is happy with the decision.

“We are happy that Wilfred can play. The clarification is out now, no issues. We also understand what it means for any player on a yellow card to miss a game. It’s good to know that he is available for the game,” Troost-Ekong told the Super Eagles media.

Ndidi produced an impressive display in Nigeria’s win over Gabon, providing the assist for the Super Eagles’ third goal, scored by Victor Osimhen.

By David Oyekan

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has confirmed that all outstanding issues surrounding the Super Eagles’ recent training boycott have now been resolved, bringing relief to millions of fans ahead of today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco.

In a statement released late  Wednesday night on his X handle , Troost-Ekong assured that the team remains united and fully committed to the national cause after what had been a tense 24 hours.

 “Issue resolved. Outstanding promises cleared on ground. Team is united and focused as before on representing Nigeria with our maximum for the games ahead,” the Super Eagles skipper declared.

The  Super Eagles had boycotted training on Tuesday evening over pay dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Although the National Sports Commission confirmed that all previous allowances had been cleared before the incident, the players were pushing for a new agreement on special match bonuses ahead of the decisive playoff fixture.

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Sources from within the camp revealed that after a series of closed-door meetings between team representatives and NFF officials, both sides reached a compromise, paving the way for the team to resume full training.

With the dispute now settled, focus has swiftly returned to football as the Super Eagles prepare to take on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Today, November 13.The winner of the encounter will advance to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF play-off final for a spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs next March.

Troost-Ekong’s leadership and swift communication have been widely praised for helping to stabilize the camp and refocus attention on the task at hand.

 The Nigeria captain, who was named Player of the Tournament at the last Africa Cup of Nations, is expected to play a crucial role both on and off the pitch as the Super Eagles aim stake a claim  for  the 2026 World Cup ticket.

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong says the Super Eagles head to Morocco for this year’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations with belief hardened by the pain of last time. The Saudi Arabia-based defender describes a dressing room “excited” by another shot at the AFCON and wiser for the lessons of losing the final of the last edition in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Al-Kholood centre-back cautions against calling Nigeria clear favourites, pointing to hosts Morocco and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire among several contenders.

He also breaks down what it really takes to win AFCON: heart, togetherness, and momentum managed with calm.

In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with CAFOnline.com, Troost-Ekong reflects on a tricky group with Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, the unique magic of AFCON, and the personalities inside the camp.

How’s the squad feeling heading into AFCON? The team is excited. This year has been quite tough with all the qualification games, but it’s been amazing to end the group with a positive note and, of course, the playoffs we’re heading into in Morocco before AFCON. Last AFCON left a lasting impression for all of us. I feel like this group is really excited to have another chance to try and win the trophy.

Can Nigeria go one step further than the last final?

That’s the only goal. We learned so much from the last AFCON final. Looking back, Côte d’Ivoire were the better team on the day, but we gained experience—some of our players were in a first major final for their nation. Now the target is to get there again, use that experience, reach the latter stages and know what to do to go all the way, hopefully.

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What did you learn from that final?

The occasion was a lot. We probably should have broken it down more and focused on how we wanted to play instead of playing the occasion. When you’re away to Côte d’Ivoire in an over-capacity stadium, you can get carried by the momentum. This time we’ll be calmer to play our football better. Beyond that, there were positives: renewed hope in Nigeria, world-class players in our squad who want to crown this generation with a trophy, and real togetherness with a great coach. That’s a good recipe to do something special in Morocco.

Are you comfortable being labelled favourites?

I think that’s overstated. We’ve got an amazing squad—too many players to name—but objectively, Morocco are at home and in great form; Côte d’Ivoire are defending champions; Senegal,… there’s no such thing as a clear favourite at AFCON. Last time, not many tipped us to go that far. You can’t win a tournament with expectations, and we won’t get complacent. AFCON is difficult, and strong teams can emerge from unexpected places. We trust ourselves, but I wouldn’t say we’re clear favourites.

What does it take to win AFCON?

Heart, togetherness and consistency. Côte d’Ivoire showed real spirit—every setback seemed to fuel belief. From my experiences—third place, then second—momentum has to grow through the tournament. New stars often emerge; it’s not always the names you expect. Start well, manage emotions, don’t get carried away when things go right or panic when they don’t. Tournaments are won in phases: grow through the group and then approach each knockout game calmly.

How do you view your group—Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania?

Difficult. Tunisia knocked us out in the 2021 round of 16 and beat many in World Cup qualifying without conceding. They’re high in confidence. Tanzania and Uganda are also tough—we’ve faced them in several qualifiers. There’s no “cruise” at AFCON. We want top spot to help the next round, but no one in our camp thinks this group is easy.

What makes AFCON different from club football?

For me, it’s the most beautiful competition in the world. I’m Nigerian, born abroad with a Dutch mother, and AFCON is where the continent comes together. The best talent on display, the colour, the fans, the energy—there’s no other feeling like representing your country there. Every game is exciting and unpredictable. Most of my career highlights are from AFCON; the last one brought an indescribable sense of pride.

Give us some dressing-room insight: Who’s the DJ, the pastor, the comedian?

DJ is usually Samuel Chukwueze—he brings the speaker and great energy. For “pastor”, we have both Muslim and Christian prayers; different players lead at different times and there’s harmony. Comedian? Victor Boniface makes everyone laugh. Stanley Nwabali can be hilarious too—sometimes you’re not sure if you’re laughing with him or at him. Raphael Onyedika is funny as well. We’ve got a real family feeling, and people see that from the outside.

What’s your message to fans after securing qualification the hard way?

Thank you to everyone who stayed with us while we made up for lost time after a slow start. We always believed. Fortune favoured us in the last game along with an exceptional team performance—scoring four against the group leaders at a crucial moment was special. Please stay behind us for the playoffs next month. When all of Nigeria—250 million plus—stands together, that’s our power. The team felt that support. Our last six games brought four wins and two draws under high pressure. Let’s carry that into AFCON and the playoffs.

Outside Nigeria, who should neutrals watch?

I genuinely have a good feeling about Nigeria. Beyond the usual contenders, it’s hard to single one out—that’s the excitement of AFCON. Equatorial Guinea surprised people; Angola were very good—we faced them in the quarter-final. Tune into any game and you’ll discover strong teams and new players. Stars are born at this tournament.

 What headline would you love to read at the end?

“Nigeria crowns the special generation with an AFCON title.”

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has distanced itself from a controversial post-match release that targeted Super Eagles skipper William Troost-Ekong and forward Cyriel Dessers following Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The statement, allegedly issued under the name of NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, took aim at Dessers for what it described as “sluggish” play and blamed Troost-Ekong for the own goal that handed Bafana Bafana their opener.

According to the federation, the remarks did not originate from its media department and should not be attributed to the governing body.

“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he turned out to be a substitute that was substituted, did not have a better game as he was too slow to latch onto passes, could not win aerial balls and did little in bringing alive the Nigerian attack.”

Concerning Troost-Ekong, the statement noted:“The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit was diminished for a period after team captain William Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, wrong-footing Stanley Nwabali to give the Bafana the lead and great impetus.”

However, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday that the statement did not represent the official position of the Federation.

“I saw the release just like everyone else did. Nobody in the Federation is happy with it, the NFF did not authorise that statement. We have great respect for all the players. Blaming an individual for a team result is unfair.

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“When we win, it’s a team victory. When we lose, it’s also collective. No player should be singled out.

“It was an unfortunate own goal. His intention was to clear the ball. Anyone who knows football understands that such things happen.”

Sanusi also expressed confidence in the team’s unity, revealing that efforts were ongoing to regroup and refocus ahead of the remaining qualifiers and AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

“Our house is in order. We’re preparing for the rest of the qualifiers and the AFCON in Morocco,” he said.

“There’s no problem with our players or coaching crew. Our relationship remains cordial. The government and the NFF are proud of the players’ efforts.”

Sanusi made it clear that internal disciplinary action would be taken over the unauthorised press statement.

“I can assure you the NFF will take action on the matter,” he said.

The Super Eagles currently occupy third spot in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 11 points from eight matches. South Africa lead the group with 17 points.

The team must now win their remaining games against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October, and hope results in other fixtures go their way to stand a chance of ecure qualifying for next year’s World Cup.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has warned Zimbabwe about their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash on Tuesday in Uyo.

Speaking at the Kigali International Airport before the team’s departure on Saturday morning, Ekong expressed Nigeria’s determination to secure another vital victory after their 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday.

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The Super Eagles’ triumph at the Amahoro Stadium revived their qualification hopes, lifting them to fourth place in Group C with six points—one behind Rwanda and four adrift of group leaders South Africa.

Ekong emphasized that the win against the Wasps motivated the squad, cautioning Zimbabwe against any hopes of securing a positive result in Uyo.

“We read somewhere that the Zimbabweans are being motivated to come to Uyo and get a result. They should forget it,” the former Watford defender declared.

Officials have admitted Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is injured, but it is “not serious enough” to keep him out of must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.

Ekong has not been listed by Saudi Arabian club Al Kholood in their last two league games as a result of the unspecified injury.

Read Also: NFF accepts Carloha as official automobile partner for  National Teams

However, officials told SCORENigeria: “It is nothing to be worried about. He will play in the World Cup qualifiers.”

The Super Eagles face Rwanda on March 21 in Kigali and then take on Zimbabwe four days later in Uyo.

Super Eagles skipper William Troost-Ekong has relived his excitement at playing at the African Cup of Nations  even as  he  warned those in the unholy habit of  belittling the continental football showpiece.

Ekong led Nigeria to the second spot at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire where he was voted the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Despite representing Nigeria at the  Russia  2028 FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, Ekong said he feels more connection with the AFCON and that he is delighted to have made it to three editions already.

The former Watford and Udinese defender recognized  talents that are daily emerging from the African continent, adding  African  stars deserves  commendation  than condemnation.

“Africa as a continent continues to reveal itself. A new generation of exciting talents continuously emerging.  Building on the household names and legendary players that paved the way. This should be recognised and celebrated by all,” Ekong, said in a long post on  X (formerly Twitter).”I am proud to have played club football in 7 nations across continents, and what I see everywhere is the power of football uniting people.  Internationally, representing Nigeria at the Olympics, World Cup and now 3 AFCON’s it’s the latter that I pride myself on the most.”

Ekong profiled the current African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman who was the Best player of the last season’s UEFA Europa League after scoring a sensational hat trick in the final and also helping Atalanta with his goals in the ongoing Champions League before their recent exit.

“I must also speak for all the boys and girls without a voice on our continent for whom too this tournament is their ultimate dream. For my teammates, like Ademola Lookman for example, who also was raised in the diaspora but chose to proudly represent Nigeria.

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“A player whose talent now colours champions league nights, accolades that include a record breaking performance to clinch the Europa league and being crowned Africa’s BEST.  Still shares that MAJOR dream of being crowned champions of Africa. Like the rest of us.

“The African continent,  as the others in the world has brought as much to the game of football that we all love. So let’s not waste time comparing but celebrating one of the crown jewels of the game that brings us all together.

“Despite losing the final in Ivory Coast this time last year. The tournament was undeniably exciting from start to finish. This only leads us to anticipate the 2025 edition at the end of this year in Morocco. Can’t wait to enjoy and compete with some of the world’s finest talent,” he added.