Retired Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has received the official certificate of his national honour, Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), from President Bola Tinubu, following the conferment announced on Monday.
Troost-Ekong disclosed this on Tuesday via his X handle, describing the recognition as a proud moment for him and his family.
“I am honoured and grateful to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for conferring on me the MFR national honour. I have been sent the official certificate today following the announcement last night. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family,” he wrote.
The 32-year-old defender expressed gratitude to Nigeria for giving him the platform to fulfil his football ambitions, noting that representing the country had always been both a privilege and a responsibility.
“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 and privilege, and a promise to give everything for the badge and our people,” he said.
Troost-Ekong also pledged continued support for the Super Eagles as they commenced their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
“As our Super Eagles begin their AFCON journey today, I wish the team every success. I’ll be supporting them all the way. I believe in this group, our nation and what we can achieve,” he added.
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In the certificate attached to his post, President Tinubu formally conferred the honour on Troost-Ekong in recognition of his outstanding service to Nigeria, in line with the provisions of the National Honours Act.
The conferment followed the Federal Government’s decision to honour players and officials of the Super Eagles’ silver-winning team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Each member of the squad and backroom staff was awarded a national honour, alongside the promise of a house and land.
On Monday, the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, fulfilled the housing pledge in Fez, Morocco, nearly two years after the tournament and a day before the team’s opening match at the 2025 AFCON.
The Super Eagles, coached by Portuguese tactician José Peseiro, finished second at the 2023 AFCON, which was held between January and February 2024, losing 2–1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.