Nigeria’s former captain William Troost-Ekong has urged the Super Eagles to seize their moment at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare for Saturday’s quarter-final showdown against Algeria in Marrakesh, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles face the Riyad Mahrez-inspired Desert Warriors with a place in the semi-finals at stake, as both sides arrive in commanding form.
Nigeria have won all four of their matches so far, including a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Mozambique in the round of 16, while Algeria boast the tournament’s best defensive record and an equally perfect run.
For Troost-Ekong, the occasion carries deep personal meaning. The former Watford defender would have been part of the squad in Morocco but announced his international retirement in December, just days before the tournament began. That decision brought down the curtain on a decade-long Super Eagles career in which he served as captain and one of the team’s most influential leaders.
Watching from afar, however, he has been encouraged by what he has seen.
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Troost-Ekong: ‘My support for the Super Eagles will never fade’
In a statement released on Tuesday, Troost-Ekong reflected on his decision to step away from international football and the emotions of seeing Nigeria thrive without him.
“December was a deeply personal and emotional month for me, as I officially stepped away from international football after 10 unforgettable years representing Nigeria,” Troost-Ekong wrote.
“To have worn the green and white for a decade, and to have captained my country, is something I will carry with pride for the rest of my life. Every cap, every anthem, every moment of struggle and celebration meant something far beyond football.
“However, as one chapter closes, my support for the Super Eagles will never fade. Watching Nigeria complete a perfect group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and then advance to the upcoming quarter-finals, playing with hunger, personality and belief, filled me with pride.
“The talent is there, the spirit is strong, and I have no doubt the team will continue to inspire millions back home.”
Nigeria’s run to the last eight has been built on control, intensity and an emerging tactical identity, with victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in the group stage setting the tone before the emphatic win over Mozambique.
Algeria, however, represent the sternest test yet; a side rich in experience, organisation and tournament pedigree.
History, though, offers Nigeria comfort. Only once in 18 previous AFCON quarter-final appearances have the Super Eagles failed to progress, a solitary setback that came in 2008, when hosts Ghana edged a dramatic 2-1 contest.