Soccer
Super Eagles and Al-Kholood defender, William Troost-Ekong, has revealed his plans to win the 2025 AFCON tournament and play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 31-year-old defender was a rock at the back under Jose Peseiro at the 2023 edition of the AFCON tournament, winning the competition’s MVP as the Super Eagles just fell short in the final against the hosts, Ivory Coast.
Ahead of the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, the one-time Greek Champion is keen on winning a major trophy with Nigeria before he announces his departure from the National team.
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Ekong joined Al-Kholood from Greek Champions, PAOK, last season, and saw his team finish in 9th place on the Saudi Pro League table in his debut campaign.
In an interview with the Saudi Pro League in Ar Rass, his current home, the former FC Watford man revealed the responsibility he shoulders as the captain of the three-time AFCON Champions.
“It’s one of my biggest honours; definitely the biggest honour in my career, but also in life, maybe besides fatherhood and family life, it’s something that I am really proud of.
“Of course, that comes with responsibility. Nigeria is a massive football nation that produces talent on an incredible scale. A nation that’s also probably underperformed over the years, seeing how much talent they have.
“I’m really enjoying all the experience that I’ve had and trying to contribute the best I can, and especially with the crop of players that we’ve got now, which are extremely talented,” the Haarlem-born Nigerian said in quotes revealed by One Football.
“Our focus is to win the next AFCON and be at the [2026 FIFA] World Cup. We came very close last year with AFCON, and that’s an experience we all learned from, but, like I said, now for me to be the captain is something very special.
“I work very hard here at the club to try and make sure that I’m in my best form to get selected and then continue on the journey I’m on.
“Having a connection with the fans is the beauty in football. They’re the people that we do it for, the people that live every moment with us,” he added.
“Especially in Nigeria, where football transcends the sport; it’s something that brings so much happiness to people. Belief unites the country, and the moments when we are together.
“I always want people to understand that, first and foremost, I’m also a Nigeria fan.
“The love we get when we play at home and when we can do our best is something that I’ve never experienced in my career before.
“That’s something that, again, I’m very proud of. We do our best to have as many joyous moments with them – we are working on that as well for this year,” the Tottenham Hotspur Academy Graduate concluded.
Ekong wasn’t a part of Eric Chelle’s team when the Super Eagles lifted the 2025 Unity Cup trophy at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, but played all 90 minutes in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Russia.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.
With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.
He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
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