Troost-Ekong Explains How He Adapted To Super Eagles Captaincy: “I Come To Lagos Every Holiday”

• Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands but plays for Nigeria internationally
• The Saudi Arabia-based defender has adapted to the role of the national team captain for two years now
• Troost-Ekong has explained how he manages diversity in the team despite being born and raised in Europe

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has given insight into how he manages captaining the Super Eagles despite being born outside the country.

He was born in Haarlem in the Netherlands but switched his international allegiance at 21 even though he represented his country of birth at a youth level.

Troost-Ekong was promoted to captain at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast when Ahmed Musa ceded on-pitch responsibilities to him.

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He has earned plaudits from Nigerians for his dedication and leadership skills, demonstrated through his decision-making, conduct and speech.

The Al-Kholood defender also led the team professionally through their 16-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya in October 2024.

Troost-Ekong explains the captain's role, diversity

The Dutch-born defender led the Super Eagles again during the March international break, this time during the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The 2-0 win over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali was his first game in the series and he helped the team to a crucial win and a clean sheet.

Speaking to Legit.ng during the pre-match conference ahead of hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, he reflected on his role as captain.

“I think it's something that has been part of my DNA,” Troost-Ekong told Legit.ng. “My dad lived in Lagos and every holiday I spent in Nigeria as a kid, so growing up in Nigeria was part of my upbringing."

He further stated that his journey had given him the responsibility of looking after the new players both the Nigerian-born and the foreign players.

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“Now we're part of a new generation, we've got a lot of players coming to play for Nigeria, especially players from diaspora which is an amazing thing... And now it's my duty to encourage these players,” he said.

He added: “We can all see what they bring to the team and it's given the coach more players to choose from home and abroad. Everyone wants to come and make a difference and be part of this great group.”

The former Premier League defender will be in contention to start again today (March 25, 2025) in the important clash against Zimbabwe.

Nigeria would aim for another win in the tie to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico.

Troost-Ekong sends message to Zimbabwe

Legit.ng also reported that Troost-Ekong warned Zimbabwe amid reports that their President Emmerson Mnangagwa promised them $150,000 to beat Nigeria.

The Super Eagles captain told their opposition for Tuesday to 'forget it', stating that Nigeria would fight for all three points and keep their Mundial hopes alive.