Representing Nigeria at AFCON is proudest moment of my career – Troost-Ekong

2026-03-21 - 20:23

By Emmanuel Okogba Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has described representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the proudest moment of his playing career, calling the tournament a vibrant “football festival” that unites the continent. While speaking as an analyst on beIN SPORTS, Troost-Ekong highlighted the emotional and cultural significance of AFCON, especially after Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2025 edition in Morocco. “It was a really amazing, amazing experience,” he said. “The AFCON is a celebration event of the whole continent, football festival. Some of the best names that we know, even in the Premier League, all over the world.” The defender, who captained Nigeria in their campaign where they finished second in the 2023 edition, ranked the experience at the very top of his career highlights. “For me, one of my proudest moments in my playing career, especially 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.” Troost-Ekong as an analyst on beIN SPORTS He praised the tournament’s unique atmosphere and deep meaning to Nigerians and Africans. “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 about the responsibility of leadership and the camaraderie 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 representing Nigeria in 2025, just before the commencement of the African Cup of Nations.