Troost-Ekong MFR honour confirmed as President Tinubu issues national certificate to retired Super Eagles captain for service to Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally issued the national honour certificate of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic to retired Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, following Monday’s conferment ceremony in Nigeria.
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William Troost-Ekong, a former captain of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, announced the receipt of the official MFR certificate on Tuesday via his verified X account.
The 32-year-old defender described the recognition as a proud and emotional moment for him and his family, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for the honour.
William Troost-Ekong said the award symbolised Nigeria’s role in shaping his identity, purpose and football career, noting that representing the country remained one of his greatest privileges.
He stated that wearing the green and white jersey carried a deep responsibility and a lifelong promise to give everything for the nation and its people.
Troost-Ekong also pledged unwavering support for the Super Eagles as they commenced their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, expressing confidence in the squad’s ability to succeed.
The Troost-Ekong MFR honour was formally conveyed in a certificate signed by President Tinubu, citing the former captain’s outstanding virtues and services to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The recognition comes shortly after the Federal Government fulfilled its pledge to reward members of Nigeria’s silver-winning squad at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The presentation, coordinated by the National Sports Commission in Fez, Morocco, took place on Monday, nearly two years after the tournament and on the eve of Nigeria’s opening match at the 2025 AFCON.
Nigeria finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations under Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, losing 2-1 to the host nation in the final played between January and February 2024.
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Following the team’s return to Nigeria, President Tinubu conferred national honours on players and officials, alongside the allocation of housing and land gifts to members of the squad and technical crew.
