Troost-Ekong Eyes Football Administration After Retirement

William Troost-Ekong has revealed his intention to transition into football administration after hanging up his boots, stressing that Nigerian football stands to gain more when former players occupy key leadership positions within football governing bodies.

According to Ireporter Online, the former Super Eagles captain, who retired from international football in 2025 after earning 83 caps for Nigeria, said he is already preparing for the next phase of his career through educational programmes offered by the English Football Association. Rather than pursuing a coaching career, Ekong said his focus is on influencing the sport through administrative and leadership roles.

Speaking during an interview with Brila FM, the experienced defender disclosed that while many people have encouraged him to become a coach, he believes he can make a greater impact by serving in football governance, whether with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), FIFA, or other football institutions.

Ekong noted that football administration, particularly in Africa, is often influenced by politics, but insisted that former players possess the knowledge and practical experience required to drive meaningful reforms if they are given opportunities to serve in decision-making positions.

He argued that too few retired footballers have been entrusted with leadership responsibilities despite their deep understanding of the game. The former captain maintained that collaboration between ex-players and football administrators would strengthen the Nigerian football system and help address many of its longstanding challenges.

To support his position, Ekong cited former football stars such as Andriy Shevchenko, Samuel Eto’o and Brazilian legend Zico, who successfully transitioned into football administration after their playing careers.

The defender added that his ultimate goal is to become part of the solution that will help Nigerian football achieve greater success than it recorded during his time as an active player.

Ekong enjoyed an illustrious international career, representing Nigeria at the 2016 Olympic Games, the 2018 FIFA World Cup and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He also captained the Super Eagles to a runners-up finish at the 2023 AFCON, where he was named the tournament’s Best Player.

His comments come amid ongoing debates about the direction of football administration in Nigeria following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with growing calls for reforms within the country’s football governing structures.