The Captain's Column: Troost-Ekong on Nigeria love, historic SPL collab, 2026 focus | OneFootball

For the 2025-26 season, the Saudi Pro League has partnered with none other than Al Kholood captain William Troost-Ekong to bring you a behind-the-curtain account of life in the Roshn Saudi League.

Keeping intact his run of must-read entries, we're delighted to bring you the latest instalment of The Captain’s Column, where Troost-Ekong gives his thoughts on retirement from international football, Nigeria's bright future, a historic collaboration with the SPL, and Al Kholood's 2026 "clarity".

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Everlasting Nigerian pride

December was a deeply personal and emotional month for me, as I officially stepped away from international football after 10 unforgettable years representing Nigeria.

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.

It was also special to see so many fellow African players competing on the international stage in Morocco, including a large contingent from the Roshn Saudi League.

Seeing teammates and opponents proudly representing their countries is a reminder of, not only the strength of African football, but also the level of quality that now exists here in Saudi Arabia’s top division.

Making history off the pitch

Away from international football, December also brought something truly historic from a personal perspective. We streamed the first-ever Roshn Saudi League match live on my YouTube channel, in partnership with SportyTV and the Saudi Pro League.

This wasn’t just a broadcast innovation; it was about accessibility for football fans. It was about bringing our league to more people around the world, giving fans the chance to connect directly with the game and experience Saudi football in real time.

Moments like this show how forward-thinking and ambitious this league is, and I hope it opens the door for more player-led streaming, more creativity, and even wider global reach.

Back to business with Al Kholood

On the pitch, our focus returned immediately to club football, and we knew we needed a response. After a difficult period, we delivered a powerful statement away from home with a 5-0 win against Al Fayha, scoring all those goals and keeping a clean sheet.

That performance wasn’t just about the result, but about showing who we are as a team when faced with challenges. Wins like that rebuild confidence and remind everyone - including ourselves - what we are capable of as a team.

January 2026 brings a busy schedule and a huge opportunity. These matches are vital in our hunt for safety and our ambition to continue climbing the league table. The focus now is consistency, momentum, and maintaining the mentality we showed in that Al Fayha performance.

We also welcome back two important young players Abdulaziz Al Elewa and Muhannad Al Yahya after their success with Saudi Arabia at the 2025 Under-23 Gulf Cup. Their achievement is something to be proud of, and their return gives the squad another lift as we enter one of the most demanding phases of the season.

Looking ahead to 2026

As we turn the page into the new year, there is a renewed sense of motivation and clarity. The past month has brought emotion, history, challenge and progress - and all of it serves as fuel for what lies ahead.

I want to wish everyone reading, including our supporters, followers, and fans of the Roshn Saudi League across the world, a wonderful 2026. Thank you for the continued support. The journey continues.