Sunday, June 8, 2025 - William Troost-Ekong has expressed his joy and gratitude as he marks 10 years since making his debut for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles.
The 31-year-old defender made his senior international debut
on 13 June 2015, playing the full 90 minutes in an Africa Cup of Nations
(AFCON) qualifier against Chad.
Since then, Troost-Ekong has featured in three AFCON
tournaments (2019, 2021, and 2023) and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He
played a key role at the 2023 AFCON, where he was named the tournament’s Most
Valuable Player (MVP) after captaining Nigeria to a second-place finish and
scoring three goals.
He also represented Nigeria at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where
he was part of the U-23 squad that won bronze under coach Samson Siasia.
Reflecting on his international journey, Troost-Ekong paid
tribute to the late Stephen Keshi, who gave him his first opportunity with the
Super Eagles.
"10 YEARS REPRESENTING 🇳🇬
13.06.2015 – 06.06.2025,” he wrote on X.
“I will
never forget the ‘Big Boss’ Stephen Keshi for believing in me to make my debut
in Kaduna that day a decade ago.
79 caps, 5
major tournaments, 3 medals later. It is my biggest pride to be the captain of
this nation and 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 was in action on Friday as Nigeria played a 1-1
draw against Russia in a friendly match in Moscow. An own goal by Semi Ajayi
gave Russia a first-half lead, but Tolu Arokodare equalized for the Super
Eagles in the second half
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