Former Super Eagles captain William Troost Ekong has publicly thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conferring on him a national honour, describing the recognition as a deeply proud moment for himself and his family.
Troost Ekong took to social media after receiving his official certificate, acknowledging the President for the honour bestowed on him following Nigeria’s silver medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
“I am honoured and grateful to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (@officialABAT), for conferring on me the MFR national honour,” Troost Ekong wrote.
“I have been sent the official certificate today following the announcement last night. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family to receive this recognition.”
Reflecting on his journey with the national team, the former Super Eagles skipper spoke passionately about what Nigeria has meant to his life and career.
“Nigeria gave me my identity, my purpose, and the platform to live my dream through football. Wearing the green and white has always been a great responsibility, privilege, and a promise to give everything for the badge and for our people.”
Troost Ekong also extended his support to the Super Eagles as they began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
“As our Super Eagles begin their AFCON journey today, I wish the team every success. As promised, I’ll be supporting them all the way. I believe in this group, our nation and what we can achieve.
“I am, and will always be, proud to be Nigerian 🇳🇬
William Troost-Ekong, MFR”
The recognition comes after members of the Super Eagles squad formally received their national honours certificates alongside housing allocation documents in Lagos or Abuja, as well as land grants in Abuja. These rewards were presented ahead of Nigeria’s opening match at AFCON 2025.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had pledged the honours and rewards following Nigeria’s runners-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, a promise now fulfilled through the National Sports Commission.
The presentation ceremony was held at the team hotel in Fez, Morocco, and was led by National Sports Commission chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko. Other dignitaries present included Senate Committee chairman on Sports Senator Abdul Ningi, House Committee chairman on Sports Hon Kabiru Amadu, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale, Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Gusau, Senior Special Assistant to the President Mrs Nathan Mash, Nigerian High Commission officials and several other stakeholders.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mallam Shehu Dikko explained that most players received the Member of the Order of the Niger honour, while Ahmed Musa and Victor Osimhen were awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger, having previously received MON honours. Troost Ekong was awarded the Member of the Federal Republic honour in recognition of his outstanding performance as Player of the Tournament at the 2023 AFCON.
Dikko further confirmed that all national honours, housing allocations and land grants approved by President Tinubu have been fully processed, with allocation letters already issued. He also revealed that similar rewards approved for the Super Falcons and the D’Tigress have been completed, with title documents and honours certificates ready, while cash payments are nearing completion through the relevant government offices.
The development underscores a renewed commitment to athlete welfare and recognition of national service, as the Super Eagles continue their focus on on-field success at the Africa Cup of Nations.
