The Nigerian soccer group continues to be reeling from the sudden retirement of Tremendous Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, a defender whose management, consistency, and patriotism have outlined a technology of the nationwide staff.
As tributes proceed to pour in, a number of Tremendous Eagles stars have publicly expressed their admiration, gratitude, and feelings following the exit of one in every of Nigeria’s most revered soccer figures. From heartfelt messages to highly effective acknowledgments of his legacy, here’s what his teammates are saying:
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Victor Osimhen: “Legend Ceaselessly.”
Tremendous Eagles striker Victor Osimhen delivered probably the most emotional farewells to the captain, praising Troost-Ekong’s affect each on and off the pitch.
“It’s been an honour sharing the pitch with you, skippo. Your steerage, humility, and professionalism pushed all of us to be higher.
Thanks for the whole lot you’ve given to the staff and Nigeria. Wishing you greatness forward. You’ve earned it. Legend ceaselessly.”
Ever trustworthy and reflective, Alex Iwobi spoke about Troost-Ekong not solely as a teammate however as a brother who formed the staff’s tradition.
“Clearly it’s a unhappy one for us as a result of he’s a giant a part of our staff. However on the finish of the day I want him effectively, he’s a brother; he has helped Nigeria and me.
In fact in direction of the top of his Nigerian profession he wasn’t enjoying as a lot as most likely he would really like, however he was nonetheless a giant a part of our staff—his voice, his management, and the way in which he made certain the togetherness within the staff was very excessive and really sturdy.
So he will probably be very missed… he was a giant chief for us and I’m certain we’ve got different leaders that may comply with in his footsteps, however all of us want him effectively.”
Iwobi’s tribute highlights the behind-the-scenes management Troost-Ekong introduced—one thing followers not often see however teammates deeply worth.
Defender Calvin Bassey, who performed alongside Troost-Ekong at AFCON 2023, stored his message quick however highly effective:
“We love you Skippo!”
A easy expression of appreciation to a captain who mentored youthful gamers and anchored Nigeria’s protection for years.
Few gamers have shared as a lot defensive chemistry with Troost-Ekong as Leon Balogun—collectively, they shaped one in every of Africa’s most iconic centre-back pairings.
His tribute was deeply private:
“Congrats in your legacy my brother, tremendous happy with the inspiration, the person and the participant you will have develop into! It’s been EPIC.”
Balogun’s message displays years of partnership, friendship, and shared battles within the inexperienced and white.
From guiding Nigeria via a number of AFCON campaigns to lifting the 2023 AFCON Greatest Participant award and serving as a unifying power within the dressing room, William Troost-Ekong leaves behind a legacy stamped with management and resilience.
