Victor Eludire | Sports Correspondent
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, ending a remarkable decade-long journey that saw him become Nigeria’s ninth-most capped player with 83 appearances. The 31-year-old made the announcement on X, posting an emotional video in which he expressed gratitude to the nation he called “home” throughout his career.
Troost-Ekong, who made his competitive debut in 2015 after being handed a first call-up by the late Stephen Keshi, quickly grew into one of Nigeria’s most reliable defenders. He featured in multiple major tournaments, winning bronze medals at the Rio 2016 Olympics and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Al-Kholood defender reached the pinnacle of his international career at the 2023 AFCON, where he captained Nigeria to the final and emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He became the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history during the competition and netted the opener in the final before Nigeria’s dramatic loss to hosts Ivory Coast.
Despite being named in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON, Troost-Ekong opted to step away from the national team. In his farewell message, he wrote: “HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will.”
Troost-Ekong leaves as one of the most influential leaders of his generation, first captaining the Super Eagles in 2021, guiding the team through crucial tournaments, and earning national admiration with his commitment and consistency. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a proud servant of Nigerian football remains firmly intact.
