The Captain's Column: National pride, Al Kholood thrive, RSL going global at Speed

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

After two fantastic entries thus far, we're delighted to bring you the third instalment of The Captain’s Column.

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October optimism

October brought a renewed sense of optimism and belief - both internationally and domestically. After a whirlwind qualifying campaign, Nigeria have advanced to the play-offs, keeping our 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive.

Returning to South Africa to face Lesotho was the perfect opportunity for redemption; I converted our penalty to take the lead, and we went on to win 2-1.

The real spectacle, however, came in the second and final qualification game. Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick heroics against Benin, who came determined to defend their top spot, reignited a nation’s hope.

Meanwhile, South Africa, with Al Ettifaq’s Mohau Nkota leading their final game against Rwanda, meant we needed a fourth goal to leapfrog Benin into second place and earn a play-off spot.

The stadium erupted when Frank Onyeka’s last-minute volley completed the mission. It was a team performance I was immensely proud of - a reminder of the talent, resilience, and pride that define Nigerian football.

A massive congratulations must also go to the Saudi Arabian national team for securing their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking what will be their seventh appearance at football's showpiece.

The Green Falcons’ qualification has inspired a nation obsessed with football and the development of home-grown talent, a passion I recognise, not only in Nigeria, but across Africa.

While there’s still a long way to go, I hope my national teammates and I can take inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s achievement and go toe-to-toe with them on the world stage next summer.

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Focus and resilience with Al Kholood

There wasn’t much time to celebrate. With the adrenaline still in my body, I set off on the first leg of a three-part, cross-continental journey early Wednesday morning. By Friday evening, I was back with Al Kholood as we faced newly promoted Al Najmah.

Despite the quick turnaround from the international break, we delivered a commanding 5-1 victory, a performance that solidified our positive start to the league.

We’ve continued building on the self-belief that defines this team and the strong culture shaping an ambitious club, one where everyone performs to their strengths and supports one another.

Personally, having arrived back in Saudi Arabia only the day before the match, I have huge respect for my teammate Shaquille Pinas, who flew overnight and joined us on matchday morning straight after captaining Suriname away in Panama.

Despite the challenges, which Al Najmah also faced, we dug deep. The players who had stayed in Ar Rass and trained during the break stepped up and took responsibility, balancing the travel fatigue with an energetic display.

It was a testament to the trust, professionalism, and unity that make this group feel more like a family.

We were aiming for four consecutive league wins, but a narrow defeat at Al Riyadh brought that run to an end. Even so, the progress we’ve made as a club compared to last season fills me with confidence - as seen again on Monday night, when we progressed for the first time in our history to the King's Cup quarter-finals.

Troost-Ekong: The Captain's Column

1st in our season-long collab with Al Kholood skipper

From new ownership and improved facilities to a stronger sense of direction on and off the pitch, Al Kholood is evolving in every area.

I often remind myself and my teammates that progress isn’t always linear. What matters most is consistency, belief, and the culture we’re building together - one that I’m confident will continue to carry us forward.

The RSL is a marathon that can be understood only through experience. Our focus remains on improving our playing process, without getting carried away by results, be those positive or negative.

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RSL's global spotlight

October also showcased the league’s growing international influence. As I’ve said many times before, what makes this competition so exciting is that its differences are its greatest strength.

Clubs here aren’t afraid to try new things to connect with global audiences, engaging fans in fresh, creative ways that bridge cultures and generations from East to West, and remain relevant within pop culture.

This was perfectly illustrated earlier in the month during Al Nassr’s 5-1 win over Al Fateh, when YouTube sensation IShowSpeed joined the celebrations as Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 800th career club goal. Leading the drums and rallying the crowd, that moment went viral, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.

What’s fascinating isn’t just the global attention, but how the Saudi Pro League and its clubs understand the power of blending football, culture, and entertainment in a way that feels unique.

These moments highlight how far the league has come, and how it continues to inspire and entertain audiences everywhere. Playing in such a forward-thinking environment is exciting because you never quite know what to expect!

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Looking Ahead

As we wrap up October, I truly believe we’re laying a strong foundation for the season ahead. The team is growing in confidence, our identity becomes clearer with every match, and the energy around Al Kholood - both on and off the pitch - is something special.

There’s still a long-but-exciting road ahead, and I look forward to sharing the experience (and the inevitable ups and downs) with all of you. I’m also eager to give a closer look not just at the football itself, but at the people, moments, and stories shaping the game here in Saudi Arabia.

So stay tuned and, if you haven’t already, tune in to catch all the RSL action this coming month. I look forward to updating you again in the next Captain’s Column.