There are some jerseys that never truly leave a player’s heart. For former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, the green and white of Nigeria remains stitched into his identity, months after announcing his retirement from international football, the former Nigerian skipper has admitted that watching the Super Eagles now comes with mixed emotions. The pride remains, but so does the longing.
Speaking on the Bassey Talks podcast, Troost-Ekong opened up about life after stepping away from the national team, revealing that what he misses most is not the pressure of competition but the people, the atmosphere, and the feeling of belonging.
“More than anything, I miss being with the guys. I miss being with… this is family to me,” he said.
Those words perfectly capture what the Super Eagles meant to one of Nigeria’s most dependable defenders of the modern era, retirement is often portrayed as a moment of relief for footballers. But for many players, especially those who spend years representing their country, it can feel like leaving home, for Troost-Ekong, seeing the Super Eagles play on television still stirs something inside him.
“When I see the team on TV now, my hands are itching like I want to be there with them again, to share those moments.”
It is the kind of confession many Nigerian fans will understand. The defender may have retired, but his emotional connection to the team remains as strong as ever, he also admitted that memories of representing Nigeria frequently replay in his mind.
“I envision again like walking out for the first time, walking out on the pitch, those games, those moments.”
For footballers, moments like these are difficult to replace. The national anthem, the roar of the fans, and the honour of carrying the country’s hopes create memories that last a lifetime.
Troost-Ekong’s international journey began in 2015 under the late Stephen Keshi. Born in the Netherlands, he quickly became one of the most trusted figures in Nigeria’s defence, over the next decade, he established himself as a leader both on and off the pitch, his partnership with Leon Balogun became one of the most recognisable defensive pairings in Nigerian football. Fans affectionately nicknamed the duo the “Oyinbo Wall” because of their chemistry and consistency at the back.
Troost-Ekong went on to make 83 appearances for Nigeria, scoring eight goals in the process. Those numbers tell only part of the story, the defender was present during some of the Super Eagles’ most memorable moments over the last decade, helping Nigeria secure a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games and winning both silver and bronze medals at the Africa Cup of Nations.
If there is one tournament that perfectly sums up Troost-Ekong’s impact on Nigerian football, it is the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, leading the Super Eagles as captain, the defender delivered performances that went far beyond traditional defending. He scored three goals during the competition and inspired Nigeria to reach the final.
Although the Super Eagles eventually finished as runners-up, Troost-Ekong’s influence was undeniable, he was deservedly named the tournament’s Player of the Tournament, becoming one of the few defenders in African football history to receive such an honour, it was a fitting recognition for a player who consistently put his body on the line for his country.
In modern football, players are often measured by trophies and statistics. But leadership, commitment and emotional connection also matter, Troost-Ekong embodied all three, whether playing through injuries, leading younger teammates, or speaking passionately about representing Nigeria, he became a symbol of professionalism and patriotism, his decision to retire was carefully considered.
“I thought about it so much, so much went on in my head, but I don’t think I necessarily miss that part,” he explained.
Yet his latest comments show that some bonds simply do not disappear.
The current Super Eagles squad is entering a new era under head coach Eric Chelle. Fresh faces are emerging, and Nigeria is building toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, but while the team looks ahead, figures like William Troost-Ekong remain part of its story, his retirement closed an important chapter in Nigerian football, but his love for the Super Eagles clearly remains alive, perhaps that is why his words resonate so deeply.
Long after the final whistle, after the captain’s armband has been passed on and the boots have been hung up, there remains an unbreakable connection between a player and his country, for William Troost-Ekong, the Super Eagles are more than a football team, and sometimes, even after saying goodbye, family still calls you back in your heart.
