I’ve Always Known the Super Eagles Jersey Is a Borrowed One – Retired Ekong

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong says he has always known the national team jersey is “a borrowed one,” a responsibility held in trust and eventually passed on to the next generation.

Ekong made this profound remark in his retirement statement, formally announcing his exit from international football and drawing the curtain on a remarkable decade of dedication, leadership, and memorable achievements.

READ ALSO: Gaibayo Scouting Programme Opens With 19-Goal Thriller in Ikenne

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 belief in him ignited a desire to follow in the footsteps of Nigerian football legends.

In his emotional message, Troost-Ekong described wearing the iconic green-and-white colours as an honour he never took lightly.

According to him, the Super Eagles shirt was never his to own permanently, but a privilege he was entrusted with until the right moment came to hand it over.

Ekong, who earned 83 caps for Nigeria, reflected on his rise from a boy raised in the Netherlands to becoming one of the most trusted leaders in the Super Eagles.

He captained the team at several major tournaments, including the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored in the final and was crowned Player of the Tournament.

His international career is decorated with a bronze medal from the Rio 2016 Olympics, participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and three AFCON campaigns that yielded bronze and silver medals. He also departs as the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history.

Ekong said the trust placed in him to lead a nation of over 230 million people was the greatest privilege of his career.

He expressed confidence in the new generation of Super Eagles players and encouraged them to continue writing their own stories.

Although retiring, he stressed that this is not a final goodbye, pledging to remain active in Nigerian communities and to continue supporting the team.

He ended his message with heartfelt gratitude to fans, coaches, staff, and teammates who stood by him throughout his journey, adding that wearing the Super Eagles jersey was a duty, a privilege, and an honour.