Troost-Ekong aims to return Nigeria to AFCON final

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025. 12:16

Nigerian national team captain William Troost-Ekong brings a wealth of experience to the Super Eagles and is aiming for top-place at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in December and January in Morocco.

The Al-Kholood defender has amassed over 80 caps for Nigeria and has helped his side clinch third-place and second-place finishes at the tournament before, with the Super Eagles losing in the final to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the 2023 edition.

Speaking in an interview with CAFonline.com, The Super Eagles captain says the goal for the upcoming edition is to go one step further than last time.

“That’s the only goal. We learned so much from the last AFCON final. Looking back, Côte d’Ivoire were the better team on the day, but we gained experience—some of our players were in a first major final for their nation. Now the target is to get there again, use that experience, reach the latter stages and know what to do to go all the way, hopefully,” he said.

Set for his fourth trip to the continental showpiece, Troost-Ekong has the experience to know what it takes to win the tournament.

“From my experiences—third place, then second—momentum has to grow through the tournament. New stars often emerge; it’s not always the names you expect. Start well, manage emotions, don’t get carried away when things go right or panic when they don’t. Tournaments are won in phases: grow through the group, then approach each knockout game calmly,” he told CAFonline.com.

The 32-year-old stated AFCON has a special place in his heart, naming the competition the “most beautiful” in the world, citing the joy and togetherness it fosters across the continent and the level of talent on display.

“For me, it’s the most beautiful competition in the world. I’m Nigerian, born abroad with a Dutch mother, and AFCON is where the continent comes together. The best talent on display, the colour, the fans, the energy—there’s no other feeling like representing your country there. Every game is exciting and unpredictable. Most of my career highlights are from AFCON; the last one brought an indescribable sense of pride.”

Nigeria’s AFCON campaign begins in Morocco against Tanzania on 23 December, but beforehand, the Super Eagles will face Gabon in the second round of FIFA World Cup qualifying in a do-or-die fixture for their hopes of returning to football’s biggest event.

By Nic Gleeson