Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has disclosed his sole regret regarding his time with the Nigerian national team after concluding his international career, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
At 32, Troost-Ekong has witnessed a gradual decline in his starting position within the Super Eagles, particularly with the emergence of Benjamin Frederick. Before the World Cup play-offs, he aspired to represent Nigeria at another World Cup, having previously participated in Russia seven years ago.
Although he was selected for Eric Chelle’s preliminary 55-man squad for the AFCON, he opted to retire just two weeks prior to the tournament in Morocco.
**Ekong Reflects on His Journey as a Nigerian Footballer**
Upon announcing his retirement, the Holland-born Nigerian expressed that his accomplishments in the green and white colours of Nigeria were beyond what he had ever imagined.
“I have always dreamt big, bigger than what others believed I could achieve,” Troost-Ekong told Standard Sport. “But to embark on this journey with Nigeria and to have been a part of all that I have experienced is something I could never have scripted. I’ve managed to surpass my wildest dreams.”
“You always desire for things to conclude perfectly. It’s challenging when you’re watching the final minutes of a match. It all felt like a blur.
“I recall sitting there, absorbing those last moments, knowing that this could be the end. To experience that during a penalty shootout, my heart was racing uncontrollably.
“It was heart-wrenching, but simultaneously, I felt immense pride in that moment regarding everything we had accomplished. Being there as captain was something I could never have envisioned as a young boy.”
**AFCON and World Cup Reflections**
Ekong’s final full match was Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho in October, a match in which he netted his eighth goal for the Super Eagles.
Since then, he has seen limited playing time, primarily coming off the bench, and was left out during Nigeria’s penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the World Cup play-offs.
Due to his reduced minutes, the former Watford player admitted to experiencing sleepless nights over his place in the squad, with some teammates encouraging him not to retire.
Ultimately, he made the decision to step away, feeling that the team’s leadership would be secure in his absence. However, he expressed disappointment at not having lifted the AFCON trophy with the Super Eagles.
“Now is the time for the new generation to seize that opportunity. I believe there’s a natural progression, and recognising when to step back is essential.
“Selfishly, I would have loved to lift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and participate in one more World Cup.
“But what brings me the greatest joy now is receiving messages from young boys who aspire to play for the Super Eagles. They tell me they look up to me. Those are the moments that you don’t initially play football for, but when they happen, they instil a profound sense of pride.”
Ademola Lookman was born in Wandsworth, Ola Aina in Southwark, and while Alex Iwobi was born in Lagos, he was raised in Newham and came through Arsenal’s academy.
The inclusion of foreign-born talent in the Nigerian team has been on the rise, and the defender hopes this trend continues in his absence.
“There has never been a shortage of talent. Ademola Lookman has gone on to become African Player of the Year – that’s significant.
“Players are emerging from London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and across Europe. They’re returning to represent Nigeria, and that will only enhance Nigerian football.
“That’s something we can build upon – and it must be further explored,” Ekong concluded.
Ekong’s retirement comes at a time when Nigeria will be without Benjamin Frederick in central defence heading into the AFCON tournament, limiting the experienced centre-back options available to Eric Chelle to Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey.
