William Troost-Ekong, captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, marked a decade of representing his country with a heartfelt reflection on his journey, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Russia in Moscow on Friday. The 31-year-old defender, who has amassed 79 caps, competed in five major tournaments, and secured three medals, expressed immense pride in leading the national team.
In an emotional post on X, Troost-Ekong paid tribute to the late Stephen Keshi, the legendary coach who gave him his debut on June 13, 2015, in Kaduna. “I will never forget the ‘Big Boss’ Stephen Keshi for believing in me,” he wrote. “79 caps, 5 major tournaments, 3 medals later. It is my biggest pride to be the captain of this nation & team. No dream is ever too big. This is my purpose, and I will continue to strive to be better every day. GRATEFUL!”
Troost-Ekong’s international career includes standout performances at three African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments (2019, 2021, 2023) and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His leadership shone at the 2023 AFCON, where he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) after scoring three goals and guiding Nigeria to a second-place finish. Additionally, he was part of the U-23 Eagles squad that clinched a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics under coach Samson Siasia.
Friday’s match saw Nigeria battle back from a first-half deficit caused by an own goal from Semi Ajayi. Striker Tolu Arokodare restored parity in the second half, securing a valuable draw against a resilient Russian side. Troost-Ekong’s steady presence in defense was pivotal as the Super Eagles held firm.
Reflecting on his milestone, Troost-Ekong emphasized his commitment to growth and leadership. His journey, marked by resilience and achievement, continues to inspire fans and teammates alike as he leads Nigeria toward future challenges.
