William Ekong, who has called time on his international career, has backed the Super Eagles to step up and win the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Ekong, 32, announced his retirement Thursday after 83 caps for the Super Eagles since his debut in June 2015.
He said the Super Eagles now have the experience to go all the way at Morocco 2025.
“The team will be unfazed, the players are ready to step up,” said Ekong, who was named MVP of the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
“The last AFCON taught us so much. We learnt a lot when we lost the final.
“Winning bronze, a silver in the last tournaments has given us so much experience.
“It’s time to right the wrongs and I will be there as it will be a great way to crown this generation of players.”
Ekong said it was “bitter-sweat” to quit the Super Eagles but it was the right time to take such a decision and a failed 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign went a long way in taking this huge step.
“It’s being so special, so many great tournaments and being part of a group which became a family. I gave everything I got,” he said.
“It’s the right time to step away and give others a chance to write their own story.”
