Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is reportedly weighing up international retirement following Nigeria’s heartbreaking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs against DR Congo in Morocco.
The 32-year-old defender reportedly told teammates in the dressing room after Sunday’s defeat that he may have played his final game for the Super Eagles.
Nigerian journalist MikeThePundit quoted him saying: “I will watch you as a fan at the AFCON.”
Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother, Eleanore Troost, and a Nigerian father. He represented the Netherlands at under-19 and under-20 levels but ultimately chose to play for Nigeria.
Ekong in Super Eagles training ahead of the clash with Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
He made his senior debut for the Super Eagles on 13 June 2015 in an AFCON qualifying match against Chad, playing the full 90 minutes under coach Stephen Keshi.
In 2016, he made three starts for the senior team before being selected for Nigeria’s under-23 squad for the Rio 2016 Olympics, where the team secured a bronze medal under coach Samson Siasia.
Ekong. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Troost-Ekong’s World Cup journey began in 2018, when he was named in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the FIFA World Cup in Russia, marking his first appearance at the tournament. Nigeria exited at the group stage.
AFCON Heroics and Records
The defender’s finest performances came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. He scored a penalty in a 1–0 group stage win against the hosts and netted again in the semi-final against South Africa, helping Nigeria take the lead in a 1–1 draw before converting during the 4–2 penalty shootout victory.
Troost-Ekong also scored the opening goal in the final against Ivory Coast, although Nigeria ultimately lost 2–1.
William Troost-Ekong with his MVP award at the 2023 AFCON. Photo Credit: CAF
Despite the defeat, he was named Player of the Tournament, and his five-goal tally set a new record for the most goals scored by a defender in AFCON history.
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Over a decade representing Nigeria, he has scored 8 goals in 83 caps, winning a bronze medal at AFCON 2019 and a runners-up medal in 2023.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco, the Super Eagles now face questions over whether their captain will extend his career for one last tournament.
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Nigeria, chasing a fourth continental crown, will hope Troost-Ekong remains for another campaign, but the decision rests entirely with the veteran defender.
