Former Tremendous Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong says he has all the time identified the nationwide crew jersey is “a borrowed one,” a duty held in belief and finally handed on to the following technology.
Ekong made this profound comment in his retirement assertion, formally saying his exit from worldwide soccer and drawing the curtain on a outstanding decade of dedication, management, and memorable achievements.
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The 30-year-old defender confirmed his retirement on Wednesday, expressing deep appreciation to Nigeria, his teammates, and the late Stephen Keshi, who handed him his debut in 2015. He recalled how Keshi’s perception in him ignited a want to comply with within the footsteps of Nigerian soccer legends.
In his emotional message, Troost-Ekong described carrying the long-lasting green-and-white colors as an honour he by no means took flippantly.
In response to him, the Tremendous Eagles shirt was by no means his to personal completely, however a privilege he was entrusted with till the correct second got here handy it over.
Ekong, who earned 83 caps for Nigeria, mirrored on his rise from a boy raised within the Netherlands to changing into one of the crucial trusted leaders within the Tremendous Eagles.
He captained the crew at a number of main tournaments, together with the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the place he scored within the last and was topped Participant of the Match.
His worldwide profession is embellished with a bronze medal from the Rio 2016 Olympics, participation within the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and three AFCON campaigns that yielded bronze and silver medals. He additionally departs because the highest-scoring defender in AFCON historical past.
Ekong stated the belief positioned in him to steer a nation of over 230 million folks was the best privilege of his profession.
He expressed confidence within the new technology of Tremendous Eagles gamers and inspired them to proceed writing their very own tales.
Though retiring, he confused that this isn’t a last goodbye, pledging to stay energetic in Nigerian communities and to proceed supporting the crew.
He ended his message with heartfelt gratitude to followers, coaches, employees, and teammates who stood by him all through his journey, including that carrying the Tremendous Eagles jersey was an obligation, a privilege, and an honour.
