Tag: William Troost-Ekong

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Ex-Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong Receives National Honour Certificate From President Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has awarded former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

The defender confirmed the honour on Tuesday after receiving his official certificate, which followed the announcement made the previous night.

He expressed gratitude to the President and described the recognition as a proud moment for himself and his family.

“I am honoured and grateful to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (@officialABAT), for conferring on me the MFR national honour.

“I have been sent the official certificate today following the announcement last night. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family to receive this recognition,” he wrote.

The 32-year-old defender expressed his gratitude to the country that gave him the platform to achieve his dreams.

“Nigeria gave me my identity, my purpose, and the platform to live my dream through football.

“Wearing the green and white has always been a great responsibility, privilege, and a promise to give everything for the badge and for our people,” he said.

 

“As our Super Eagles begin their AFCON journey today, I wish the team every success.

 


“As promised, I’ll be supporting them all the way. I believe in this group, our nation, and what we can achieve,” he added.

In the certificate attached to his post, Tinubu formally conferred the honour, stating,” In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, I, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria, HEREBY award to you to have, and enjoy title, dignity and all the privileges of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).”

 

Troost-Ekong captained Nigeria to a runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire before announcing his retirement from international football.

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Super Eagles: Captain Troost-Ekong Is Considering International Retirement

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is reportedly considering retiring from international football after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the authoritative and reliable journalist, MikeThePundit, the experienced defender may not be part of the squad to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in December

Mike revealed on X that Troost-Ekong informed his teammates in the dressing room after the loss to Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday that he might not return to the squad.

“Troost Ekong considering retirement from the Super Eagles. The captain told the players after the DR Congo game, ‘I will watch you as a fan at the AFCON,’’ he reported.
The 32-year-old has played a limited role with the Super Eagles in recent outings.

The Al-Kholood of Saudi Arabia star has not been named in the starting line-up in the team’s last three games.

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A Tough Journey — Troost-Ekong Speaks On Super Eagles’ World Cup Qualification Struggles

William Troost-Ekong has shared his thoughts on the Super Eagles’ ongoing struggles in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Nigeria secured a place in the playoffs after a comfortable 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Tuesday night.

After a slow start, the Super Eagles recorded three wins and one draw from their last four games to make the playoffs.

Troost-Ekong said it has been a tough campaign for the team.

“I think it’s time that we continue to support this team. It’s easy to celebrate good moments, but it’s been a really tough ride these last months. That’s down to us, but we’ve come out now and achieved something that many said was impossible,” the captain told reporters in Uyo.

Gabon, Cameroon, and Democratic Republic of Congo are the other countries that will feature in the playoffs.

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Nigeria vs Benin: ‘We Have opportunity’ – Troost-Ekong On How Super Eagles Will Secure World Cup Ticket

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has expressed confidence ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, saying Eric Chelle’s Benin Republic side presents an “opportunity” for Nigeria to capitalize on.

According to Troost-Ekong, Nigeria needs to beat Benin in Uyo and do that convincingly with more than one goal.

The former Watford defender spoke at his post-match interview after leading the Super Eagles to beat Lesotho 2-1 in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.

“We want to be at the World Cup, we have said that now for the last nine months,”Troost-Ekong said.

“We have the opportunity now with the game in Uyo against Benin [Republic], who we know we have to score a certain number of goals.

“It was always the case that we needed to win the game and we had to win it convincingly.”

Benin Republic is three points ahead of Nigeria and two points ahead of South Africa in Group C standings.

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NFF Denies Knowledge Of Press Statement Criticizing Dessers And Troost-Ekong After Bafana vs Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has disowned a post-match statement that criticized Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Cyriel Dessers after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in the Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The statement, purportedly issued under the name of NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, accused Dessers of being sluggish and faulted Troost-Ekong for the own goal that gave Bafana Bafana the lead.

It read in part: “Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he was 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.”

On Troost-Ekong, it added: “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, has stated 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.

“When we win, it’s a team victory. When we lose, it’s also collective. No player should be singled out. Ekong’s own goal was unfortunate—his intention was to clear the ball. Anyone who knows football understands that such things happen,” Sanusi said.

He further assured that the Federation remains united and focused on the remaining qualifiers and the upcoming AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

“Our house is in order. We’re preparing for the rest of the qualifiers and the AFCON in Morocco. There’s no problem with our players or coaching crew. The government and the NFF are proud of the players’ efforts,” he added.

Sanusi confirmed that internal disciplinary action would be taken over the unauthorised release.

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

The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, while South Africa lead with 17 points. Nigeria must win their remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October and hope other results go in their favour to keep their qualification hopes alive.

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AFCON Qualifiers: Troost-Ekong Celebrates As CAF Awards Victory To Nigeria, Fines Libya

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, is in high spirits as he celebrates the ruling by the Confederation of African Football regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match between Libya and Nigeria.

Recall that the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football awarded Nigeria three points and three goals from the abandoned Matchday 4 encounter in the 2025 AFCON qualification series, scheduled to be played between Libya and Nigeria in Benina on 15 October.

In its ruling on Saturday, signed by chairman Ousmane Kane, the Disciplinary Board determined that the Libyan Football Federation was in breach of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“The Libyan Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“The match No. 87, Libya v Nigeria, of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi), is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (with a record of 3-0),” the ruling read in part.

The LFF was also ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000, with payment due within 60 days of notification of the present decision.

The outcome of the Disciplinary Committee means that Nigeria is close to qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with two matches to spare.

As a result, the Super Eagles are now on 10 points from four matches, four points ahead of second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda has five points. Bottom-placed Libya has only one point and is out of the running for qualification.

A win or draw against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, 14 November (a matchday 5 encounter) will secure the Super Eagles a ticket to the finals in Morocco, scheduled for December 2025/January 2026.

The Nigerian team had boycotted the match citing safety concerns, after being left stranded at the remote Al-Abraq airport on the outskirts of Benghazi for over 22 hours.

The LFF, in response, accused the Nigeria Football Federation of not cooperating with it regarding the travel itinerary.

It also alleged that the Libyan national team had suffered the same fate in Nigeria during the reverse fixture a week earlier, claiming the team was left stranded at Port Harcourt Airport by Nigerian authorities.

Reacting in a post via his verified X.com, @WTroostEkong, on Saturday, the Super Eagles skipper said the development means the Super Eagles are one step closer to the AFCON 2025.

He wrote, “JUSTICE: CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000.

“The plane was diverted 300km from the scheduled airport, even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel.

“One step closer to our target AFCON 2025.”

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Nigerian Coach Best For Super Eagles, No Need For Expatriate – Troost-Ekong

William Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles captain, is rooting for an indigenous coach to lead the team.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, in June announced it will appoint an expatriate to lead the Super Eagles.

The NFF recently failed in their attempt to appoint German Bruno Labbadia as head coach of the three-time African champions.

The soccer house id still searching for a foreign coach to lead the team.

Troost-Ekong however voiced his support for a local coach to take over the post.

“I’ve always said that having a coach from Nigeria is an advantage. Someone who has been in our shoes and understands what we’re going through can bring that experience to the team,” the Al-Khaloood of Saudi defender told reporters in Uyo.

Former international, Augustine Eguavoen will lead the team in interim capacity for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

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Troost-Ekong Pens Emotional Farewell Message to PAOK

Nigerian footballer, William Troost-Ekong has written an emotional farewell message after leaving his former club, PAOK Thessaloniki.
Recall that Troost-Ekong left the Greek Super League champions after just one season.
The Nigeria international has already pitched his tent with the Saudi Professional Football League side, Al Khalood.
The centre-back will sign a two-year contract with the option of an additional year.
Troost-Ekong took to social media to bid PAOK goodbye, saying, “Dear PAOK, after an amazing year and season in Thessaloniki, I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to share and be part of those moments with you,”he wrote on X.
 
“I want to thank the president, club staff, medical team, General Lucescu, assistants and especially my teammates who have become my family, for the belief and hard work that resulted in an unforgettable championship and special European nights.
 
“To the fans, thank you for the support through difficult times. Toumba is something special and now I understand what MONO PAOK means. I wish everyone another successful season and I will continue to follow PAOK. All the best.”

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