William Troost-Ekong’s 5 most memorable moments with the Super Eagles

From the Netherlands to the heart of the “Oyibo Wall,” William Troost-Ekong’s journey with the Nigerian Super Eagles has been defined by leadership, commitment, and moments of unforgettable drama.

A rock in the defence and a vocal captain on the field, Ekong’s tenure has seen him rise to become one of the nation’s most impactful defenders.

Ekong officially announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, with just a few days to go before the 35th AFCON in Morocco.

The defender confirmed his decision to step away from the Nigerian national team in a social media post on Thursday.

Here are five of the most memorable moments that define the Super Eagles’ career of William Troost-Ekong.

1. The Decision: Choosing Nigeria and the 2015 Debut

Perhaps the most foundational moment of his career was the choice itself. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Ekong played for the Dutch national youth teams (U-19 and U-20).

However, a call from the late, legendary Stephen Keshi, the then-Super Eagles coach, convinced him to switch allegiance and represent his father’s homeland.

Ekong has often spoken about the pride of that decision. It solidified his identity with the Nigerian team, proving his commitment was not a passing fancy but a deep-seated calling.

His senior debut arrived on June 13, 2015, in an AFCON qualifier against Chad.

This debut officially marked the start of his remarkable journey, forging the path for what would become an iconic partnership with Leon Balogun, famously dubbed the “Oyibo Wall.”

2. The First Medal: Olympic Bronze at Rio 2016

Just a year after his debut, Ekong helped Nigeria achieve a significant milestone: an Olympic bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As a key member of the Dream Team VI, the defender provided stability and maturity to the U-23 side.

The tournament was high-pressure, yet Ekong’s performances remained consistently strong, culminating in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Honduras in the third-place match.

For a defender still early in his international career, winning an Olympic medal offered invaluable experience and a tangible reward, cementing his status as a young star poised for the senior national team’s defence for years to come.

3. The Late Heroics: AFCON 2019 Quarter-Final Goal vs. South Africa

Four years after his debut, Ekong delivered one of the most decisive goals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. Nigeria faced rivals South Africa in the quarter-finals in a tightly contested match.

With the score locked at 1-1 and just a minute of regular time remaining, the game seemed destined for extra time.

In the 89th minute, a corner kick resulted in chaos in the Bafana Bafana box. The ball ricocheted to Ekong, who showed the instinct of a seasoned striker to poke the ball over the line from close range.

The dramatic 2-1 winner sent the Super Eagles into the semi-finals and triggered an explosion of relief and joy across Nigeria, showcasing Ekong’s ability to step up in the biggest moments.

4. The Captain’s Penalty: Dominating the Host Nation at AFCON 2023

At the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, Ekong, now the team’s official captain, produced a moment of ice-cold composure against the host nation.

Facing Côte d’Ivoire in a tense Group A fixture, Nigeria desperately needed a win following a disappointing opening draw.

In the 55th minute, the Super Eagles were awarded a penalty. With the deafening roar of the home crowd and the immense pressure of the match, it was the captain who stepped forward.

Ekong calmly dispatched the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and securing a monumental 1-0 victory.

This crucial goal not only earned Nigeria three points but also provided the belief and momentum that powered their run to the final.

5. Individual Glory: Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2023

While Nigeria ultimately fell short in the AFCON 2023 final, the tournament remains the pinnacle of Ekong’s individual career.

Despite the heartbreak of the silver medal, his performances were recognised continent-wide as he was crowned the TotalEnergies Player of the Tournament.

As a central defender and captain, his impact was profound: Goalscoring Threat: He scored three goals—all from a defensive position—including a penalty in the semi-final against South Africa and the opening goal in the final against the Ivory Coast.

This achievement also made him the defender with the most goals (5) in AFCON history.

Leadership: He marshalled a defence that conceded only four goals throughout the entire tournament.

Resilience: He played through the competition while battling an injury, embodying the spirit of a true leader.

The award solidified his legacy not just as a great Nigerian defender, but as one of the finest central defenders in the history of African football.