Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a distinguished era with Nigeria.
The 32-year-old defender will not feature at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, marking the first major tournament Nigeria will attend without him in almost 10 years.
Troost-Ekong, who earned 83 caps and featured in five major tournaments, said the decision comes with “peace knowing that throughout all these milestones I gave everything I had.”
Reflecting on his journey, he said wearing the national colours was “more than playing football. It has been a duty, a privilege, and an honour.”
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The former Super Eagles captain described his debut in 2015 as the moment everything changed, recalling how the late Stephen Keshi trusted him early on.
“His belief in me ignited a desire to follow in his footsteps,” he said.
Troost-Ekong highlighted the pride he felt leading Nigeria, especially during the 2023 AFCON, where he was named Player of the Tournament after scoring in the final.
“That tournament taught me what it truly means to be Nigerian: that in adversity, we come together, we hustle, we fight through the pain and we rise,” he said.
He also acknowledged supporters and teammates who shaped his decade-long journey. “To the Nigerian fans – the heartbeat of Nigerian football. Your support has carried me through every high and every challenge.”
Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, Troost-Ekong represented the Netherlands at youth level before committing to Nigeria. He made his senior debut in June 2015 in an AFCON qualifier against Chad.
His five goals at the Africa Cup of Nations remain the highest total ever scored by a defender in the competition’s history.
Full Statement from Troost Ekong. Photo Credit: Ekong/Instagram
Troost-Ekong’s club career has taken him across Europe, with spells in England, Italy, Turkey and Greece before joining PAOK in July 2023. In August 2024, he moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Kholood.
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Although stepping away from the national team, Troost-Ekong insists this is not a farewell. “This isn’t a final goodbye… my love and passion for this team will never fade.”
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He leaves as one of the most influential Super Eagles players of the modern era a leader whose impact will be felt long after his final match.
