Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has explained why he is unlikely to venture into coaching after retirement despite regularly being encouraged to consider the role, Footynaija.com reports.
Ekong, who spent a decade in the Nigeria national team setup, captained the Super Eagles through a number of major international tournaments and has enjoyed a professional career spanning several European leagues.
Given his leadership qualities on the pitch, many have tipped him to transition into coaching once he hangs up his boots. However, the 32-year-old has revealed that while he frequently faces questions about taking up a coaching role, his ambitions lie elsewhere.
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Speaking in a recent interview with Brila FM, Ekong admitted he has given thought to life after football but does not see himself following the traditional path taken by many retired players.
“I have had so many people ask me about coaching the team, I’m not sure that is something that I really want to do,” Ekong said.
Instead, the former Watford defender believes ex-footballers can have an even greater influence by helping to shape the game’s future from positions of leadership within football’s governing bodies.
“I think there also need to be players that think about going one level above that whether it is going to be in the boardroom, whether it is going to be working with federations – with FIFA, with CAF, whether the NFF.
“I think that’s probably where you can make the biggest change.”
While coaching remains the natural route for many retired footballers, Ekong’s comments underline his belief that experienced former players also have an important role to play in football administration.
The 32-year-old central defender currently plays for Qatar Stars League club Al Ahli SC. He completed his transfer to the Qatari club in January 2026 after moving from the Saudi Arabian team Al-Kholood.
