Former Eagles Captain Sees Future in Football Governance, Not Coaching

Former Eagles Captain Sees Future in Football Governance, Not Coaching

By BSN Sports 

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has called for greater involvement of former footballers in the administration of Nigerian football, arguing that their experience and education can help strengthen the country's football governance, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 32-year-old, who recently retired from international football after a decade-long career in which he earned 83 caps for Nigeria, said he is preparing for life after playing by enrolling in career-transition programmes offered by the English Football Association.

Troost-Ekong also revealed his ambition to one day serve in the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), although he stopped short of outlining any immediate plans to seek office.

According to the former Watford defender, Nigerian football would benefit from having more former players in decision-making positions, where they can combine their on-field experience with professional education to drive meaningful reforms.

"I think, for me now, it's about the education part because we have so many ex-players who have a great understanding of the game," Troost-Ekong said.

"I don't think we've seen enough former players getting involved at the top. For me, Nigerian football is about finding ways we can collaborate and improve the federation because we've been there, we've experienced it, and the generations before us have done the same."

Troost-Ekong, however, ruled out coaching as his preferred post-playing career, saying he believes he can make a greater impact in football administration.

"I've had so many people ask me about coaching the team, but I'm not sure that's something I really want to do," he said.

"I think there also need to be former players who aspire to go beyond coaching—whether that's serving on football boards, working with federations, FIFA, CAF or the NFF. That's probably where you can make the biggest difference.

"It's a difficult landscape because African football also involves a lot of politics, but that's an area where I believe positive change can happen."

Troost-Ekong's comments come amid growing calls for greater representation of former players in football administration across Africa, with many advocating for their practical experience to complement governance and policy decisions within the sport.