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Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has spoken warmly about his experience in South Africa during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the tournament as more than just a football assignment but also an opportunity to immerse himself in the country’s rich culture, vibrant music and renowned cuisine.
The Nigerian defender, who is serving as a football analyst and broadcaster with SuperSport during the global tournament, revealed that this is the first time he has been able to spend an extended period in South Africa without the demanding routine that comes with representing club or country.
According to Troost-Ekong, life as a television pundit has offered him the freedom to appreciate a different side of the host nation, something he rarely had the chance to do during previous visits for international matches.
“When you are playing, you are naturally more restricted in terms of what you can and cannot do,” he explained. “This time I have been able to take everything in and experience some of the best parts of South Africa whenever I have not been working.”
The 32-year-old admitted he has particularly enjoyed sampling local delicacies, exploring the country’s lively entertainment scene and meeting people from different communities.
He said the World Cup assignment has allowed him to enjoy the country’s famous hospitality while balancing his broadcasting responsibilities.
“I have enjoyed some great food, listened to good music in all the right places and even had one or two drinks since it is my off-season,” Troost-Ekong said with a smile. “It has been nice to enjoy everything outside work because once I head back home, it will be time to focus on football again.”
The former Super Eagles skipper has been one of the notable African football personalities working as a television analyst throughout the World Cup, providing tactical insight and expert commentary on matches while sharing his wealth of international experience with viewers across the continent.
Despite enjoying his off-field role, Troost-Ekong admitted that Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains painful.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the tournament after an inconsistent qualifying campaign, allowing South Africa to secure one of Africa’s places at the finals.
Although disappointed that his country is not competing on football’s biggest stage, the experienced defender has maintained that South Africa deserved its qualification after producing consistent performances throughout the qualification series.
His comments reflect the sportsmanship that has defined much of his international career, with the defender praising the progress made by Bafana Bafana while encouraging Nigeria to rebuild for future competitions.
Troost-Ekong remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished defenders of the modern era.
Born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father and Dutch mother, he represented the Netherlands at youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2015. Since then, he has earned more than 80 international caps and established himself as one of the country’s most dependable defenders.
He featured for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and played a leading role during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles reached the final.
His outstanding performances in Côte d’Ivoire earned him the tournament’s Best Player award, making him one of the few defenders to receive such recognition in the competition’s history.
At club level, Troost-Ekong has enjoyed an extensive career across Europe and the Middle East, playing in the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Turkey, Italy, England, Greece and Saudi Arabia before joining Al-Ahli ahead of the new season. His experience across multiple leagues has made him one of Nigeria’s most respected football ambassadors.
As the World Cup enters its decisive knockout stages, Troost-Ekong continues to combine his passion for football with his growing reputation as a television analyst.
While he is relishing the opportunity to showcase another side of his personality in front of the camera, the defender admits his primary focus will soon return to competitive football as preparations begin for the new club season.
For now, however, South Africa has left a lasting impression on the Nigerian star, who says the experience has broadened his appreciation of the country’s people and culture while allowing him to enjoy a rare football summer free from the pressures of playing.
