Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has named Super Eagles legend Stephen Keshi as the greatest African defender of all time, placing him ahead of a host of illustrious names, Soccernet.ng reports.
The centre-back was put through an elimination-style game by the Saudi Pro League’s media team, where he had to choose between some of Africa’s most celebrated defenders until only one remained.
The challenge began with a tough choice between Cameroon’s two-time Africa Cup of Nations-winning captain Rigobert Song and Ivorian and Arsenal great Kolo Touré. After some deliberation, Troost-Ekong opted for Song, a decision that set the tone for a series of difficult calls.
Song then triumphed over Morocco’s defensive rock Noureddine Naybet and Egyptian legend Wael Gomaa, a three-time AFCON winner widely regarded as one of the continent’s finest centre-backs.
However, Song’s winning streak ended when he was pitted against Nigeria’s Taribo West.
@WTroostEkong ranks African defenders, and the winner was…#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/1oKl4EJEjr
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) March 24, 2025
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Troost-Ekong favoured West, the former AC Milan and Inter Milan enforcer who played a key role in Nigeria’s historic gold medal triumph at the 1996 Olympics. But West’s reign was short-lived as he fell to the late Stephen Keshi in the next round.
Finally, in the ultimate decision, Troost-Ekong selected Keshi over himself, cementing the former Super Eagles captain and coach as Africa’s greatest defender in his eyes.
Troost-Ekong and Keshi: A deep personal connection
Troost-Ekong’s admiration for Keshi runs deeper than just legendary status.
The former Nigerian coach played a pivotal role in shaping his international career. In 2015, Keshi personally convinced a 21-year-old Troost-Ekong to switch allegiance from the Netherlands, where he had represented the U19 and U20 teams, to Nigeria.
Recalling that life-changing moment, Troost-Ekong said:
“I had just started the season after playing for the Dutch U19 and U20 teams, but there was no clear pathway to the senior squad.
“Then, out of the blue, I received a call from Stephen Keshi, the national team coach at that time, who was also an iconic figure in Nigerian football. I was genuinely taken aback by his call. It was a defining moment for me.
“It was essentially a decision between trying to force my way into the Netherlands setup, which could take time, or seizing the chance to play for the Super Eagles right away, especially given that the team was in a transition phase, with many older defenders likely making way for new blood.”
The ‘Big Boss’ and my idol forever, who made my dream come true to represent Stephen Keshi https://t.co/ijtorG9Wft
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) March 24, 2025
Troost-Ekong has since gone on to carve out his own legacy with the Super Eagles.
With 77 caps and seven international goals to his name, he has become a key figure for Nigeria. His goal in the final of the 2023 AFCON against Ivory Coast made him the highest-scoring Nigerian defender in the tournament’s history, surpassing a record previously held by Keshi.
His performances in the competition earned him the Most Valuable Player award, making him the first defender in 20 years — since Rigobert Song in 2002 — to win the prestigious honour.
Despite his own achievements, Troost-Ekong still holds Keshi in the highest regard, recognising the late icon not only as a Nigerian football legend but also as the greatest African defender of all time.
