Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has said representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) remains the proudest moment of his career.
Troost-Ekong spoke while working as an analyst on beIN SPORTS, where he reflected on his experience at the continental tournament and Nigeria’s outing at the 2025 edition in Morocco.
“It was a really amazing, amazing experience. The AFCON is a celebration event of the whole continent, a football festival.
“Some of the best names that we know, even in the Premier League, all over the world,” he said.
The defender, who captained Nigeria to a second-place finish at the 2023 edition, said the tournament ranks highest in his career.
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“For me, one of the proudest moments in my playing career, especially my international career, was representing Nigeria at the AFCON,” Troost-Ekong stated.
“And for it to be such a great tournament for us was amazing. Unfortunately, it didn’t end the way it should have at that moment in time, but it still was an amazing experience and something that I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life.”
He said the tournament holds strong meaning for players and fans across the continent.
“It’s such a tournament that has so much colour. It’s so vivid and means so much to the Nigerians and Africans in general,” he added.
“So it’s definitely been one of the most meaningful experiences of my playing career. And yeah, I think up there, top one, top two. AFCON has probably been my most amazing experience as a player, shortly followed by the World Cup 2018.”
Troost-Ekong also spoke on the responsibility of leading the national team and the bond within the squad.
“I think you realise the responsibility that you have of a nation, as a player, as a captain. And it was just a joy,” he said.
“I loved those times together with the team. Some of the players that we saw in this most recent AFCON in Morocco as well. The boys that I’ve spent so many years with and tried to reach out for a common goal was something really special.”
Troost-Ekong retired from international football in 2025.
