NFF Reveals Plans For Ceremonial Send-Off For Ex-Super Eagles Captain

NFF Reveals Plans For Ceremonial Send-Off For Ex-Super Eagles Captain

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed plans to organise a ceremonial send-off in honour of former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 2025 AFCON, which commenced on Sunday night, is scheduled to run until January 18, 2026. According to the NFF, all celebrations recognising Troost-Ekong’s contributions to Nigerian football will take place after the tournament.

Speaking exclusively to BSN Sports, NFF General Secretary Sanusi Mohammed praised the former captain’s service to the national team and the country at large.

“William Troost-Ekong has done remarkably well for Nigeria and is deeply appreciated by the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, the Federal Government, and indeed all Nigerians for his immense contributions to the national team,” Sanusi said.

He added that the federation’s immediate priority remains the ongoing AFCON campaign.

“Our focus right now is on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and ensuring the Super Eagles have a successful outing. Once the tournament is concluded, we will sit down and carefully plan a befitting ceremonial send-off for the legend,” he stated.

Troost-Ekong, 32, captained Nigeria to a silver medal at the 2023 AFCON, where the Super Eagles narrowly lost 2–1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final. Despite the defeat, the defender was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He also set a historic record by scoring five goals, the highest tally ever recorded by a defender in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Born to a Nigerian father and Dutch mother, Troost-Ekong was eligible to represent both the Netherlands and Nigeria at international level. He opted for Nigeria and made his Super Eagles debut in June 2015, playing the full 90 minutes in an AFCON qualifying match against Chad.

Over the course of his international career, Troost-Ekong earned more than 80 caps for Nigeria, becoming a mainstay in the national team’s defence and a respected leader both on and off the pitch.

On December 4, 2025, the AFCON record-holding defender officially announced his retirement from international football via his Instagram page. His decision was met with widespread appreciation from Nigerians, who praised his passion, commitment, and unwavering dedication to representing Africa’s most populous nation.