Retired Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has received his national honour certificate as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) from President Bola Tinubu, following Monday’s conferment.
Troost-Ekong confirmed the development on X on Tuesday, describing the recognition as a proud and memorable moment for himself and his family.
“I am honoured and grateful to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (@officialABAT), for conferring on me the MFR national honour,” he wrote.
“I received the official certificate today after the announcement last night. It is a very proud moment for me and my family to be recognised in this way.”
The national honours certificate awarded to William Troost-Ekong was shared on his X page, marking another milestone in his international career.
The 32-year-old defender, a long-serving pillar of Nigeria’s national team, expressed deep gratitude to the country he credits for shaping his identity and fulfilling his football dreams.
“Nigeria gave me my identity, my purpose, and the platform to live my dream through football,” he said.
“Wearing the green and white has always been a great responsibility, a privilege, and a promise to give everything for the badge and for our people.”
Troost-Ekong also reaffirmed his support for the Super Eagles as they kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, pledging to stand by the team throughout the tournament.
“As our Super Eagles begin their AFCON journey today, I wish the team every success. As promised, I’ll be supporting them all the way. I believe in this group, our nation, and what we can achieve,” he added.
The certificate attached to his post formally confirmed the honour, with President Bola Tinubu stating that the award was made in recognition of Troost-Ekong’s outstanding virtues and service to Nigeria, conferring on him the title and privileges of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
He concluded his remarks with a strong declaration of national pride.
It was earlier reported that the Federal Government fulfilled its promise to gift a house to each member of the Super Eagles squad that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The presentation was carried out by the National Sports Commission in Fez, Morocco, on Monday, nearly two years after the tournament and a day before Nigeria’s opening match at the 2025 AFCON.
Coached by Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles finished runners-up at the 2023 AFCON, held between January and February 2024, after a 2–1 defeat to the host nation in the final.
Following their return to Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu honoured all players and officials with national awards, alongside house and land gifts for players and members of the backroom staff.
