Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has issued a heartfelt call to his former teammates ahead of tonight’s crucial AFCON 2025 semi-final against hosts Morocco.
The excitement surrounding the match is palpable, spreading from Saudi Arabia all the way to the team’s camp in Morocco.
Troost-Ekong, who retired from international football in December 2025 after a decade of service, is not just watching from the sidelines, he’s actively cheering on the squad from the Al-Kholood locker room.
His message is simple yet powerful: defeating the Atlas Lions tonight isn’t just a step toward the final, it’s a psychological crowning of themselves as Africa’s best.
In a video message shared with the team and posted on X from Rabat, Troost-Ekong said, “My brothers, the day is here. I cannot tell you how excited I am to watch you guys beat Morocco tonight. I’ve had a chance to speak to everyone here in Saudi Arabia; whether I go online, on radio, or TV, everything is about the Super Eagles. You guys are getting better and better with every game.”
The veteran defender stressed that while the final is still ahead, tonight’s match carries immense psychological weight.
“If you win this game against Morocco… you guys are gonna lift the trophy, I’m telling you. Just stick together and enjoy the moment. These moments only come sometimes in life.”
Troost-Ekong, who guided Nigeria to a silver medal in AFCON 2023 and remains the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history, shared how witnessing this “special generation” perform has inspired him anew. “Stick together, fight for each other. At the end of the day, you want to be able to look in the mirror and say, ‘I did my absolute best.’ If you continue what you’re doing now, you’re going to win,” he said.
In a final boost of encouragement, Troost-Ekong added, “I’m gonna be supporting, shouting at my TV. I love you guys and I believe in you. Go and win that game. Let Morocco hear words!”
For a Super Eagles side that has made winning look effortless, scoring 14 goals in five matches, Troost-Ekong’s words serve as the spark ahead of what promises to be their sternest test yet.
Beating Morocco in front of 70,000 home fans will be the ultimate statement of intent. As he put it, tonight is the “mountain to climb,” and everything afterward will be a victory lap toward Nigeria’s fourth AFCON title.
Ola Aina has also joined the growing list of voices backing the Super Eagles ahead of their semi-final encounter, applauding both the players and the technical team for their commitment and hard work throughout the tournament.
In a personal message, the Nottingham Forest defender praised the collective effort behind the team’s progress, acknowledging everyone involved in the campaign.
“I just want to wish you guys all the very best in the semi-finals. To all the players, the technical crew, the manager, coaches, physios and doctors, everyone that are there is doing a fantastic job,” Aina said.
He also expressed admiration for the team’s performances so far, noting that they have lived up to their true quality on the pitch.
“It’s been amazing seeing you guys play the way we know you can play. I’ll be rooting for you from home, sending you all my prayers and well wishes man,” he added.
