Captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has expressed his pride and delight in representing the Nigerian senior men’s national team for the past ten years with an emotional tribute, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The centre-back, who currently plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Kholood, took to his official social media account where he posted on X, “10 YEARS REPRESENTING 13.06.2015 – 06.06.2025.”

“I will never forget the ‘Big Boss’ Stephen Keshi for believing in me to make my debut in Kaduna that day a decade ago.

“79 caps, 5 major tournaments, 3 medals later. It is my biggest pride to be the captain of this nation & team.

“No dream is ever too big. This is my purpose, and I will continue to strive to be better every day.

“GRATEFUL!”

Troost-Ekong, 31, was born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents but raised in England, thus making him eligible to represent all three countries internationally.

However, former player and then head coach of the national team, Stephen Keshi extended an invitation to him and he subsequently made his senior international debut for the Super Eagles at the age of 21 on June 13, 2015, featuring for the entire 90 minutes in an AFCON qualifying fixture against Chad, which Nigeria won 2-0.

His maiden goal for the national team came during an international friendly encounter between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 28, 2018. He played all 90 minutes as both teams settled for a 1-1 draw.

Since stepping out for the national team 10 years ago, Troost-Ekong has gone on to make 78 more appearances, scoring seven goals. He has also featured at three CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2019, 2021, and 2023, and represented the West African nation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Ekong is currently the defender who has scored the most number of goals at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament with five strikes. Two of those goals came at the 2019 edition in Egypt while the remaining three goals came during the 2023 edition in the Ivory Coast.

He finished the 2023 AFCON tournament in the Ivory Coast as the Most Valuable Player.