Troost-Ekong gets national honour ~ MFR, certificate issued
File copy: Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong
Recent retired Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has been honoured with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic certificate from President Bola Tinubu, after Monday’s conferment.
Troost-Ekong made public the receipt of the official certificate on X on Tuesday, describing it 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 (@officialABAT), 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 to receive this recognition,” he wrote.
The 32-year-old defender, who has been a key figure for Nigeria’s national football team, expressed his gratitude to the country that gave him the platform to achieve his dreams.
“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, privilege, and a promise to give everything for the badge and for our people,” he said.
Troost-Ekong also gave assurance of his support to the Super Eagles as they began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
“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.
In the certificate attached to his post, Tinubu formally conferred the honour, stating,”In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, I, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria, HEREBY award to you to have, and enjoy title, dignity and all the privileges of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).”
Troost-Ekong concluded his statement with a declaration of national pride.
Also, the FG has fulfilled its promise of gifting a house to each member of the Super Eagles’ silver-winning 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad.
This was done through the National Sports Commission in Fez, Morocco, on Monday, almost two years after the tournament and just a day before the team’s opening game at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Led by Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles finished second at the 2023 AFCON, which was played between January to February 2024, losing 2-1 against the hosts in the final.
Upon their arrival in Nigeria, Tinubu honoured each player and official of the team with the Member of The Order of The Niger national award, as well as house and land gifts to each player and members of the backroom staff
