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