Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has officially announced his retirement from international football, just weeks before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
In a statement shared on X, the 35-year-old expressed deep gratitude for his decade-long service to Nigeria, writing:
“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. Here’s to the next chapter.”
His announcement comes after weeks of speculation surrounding his future with the national team.
Troost-Ekong made 83 appearances for Nigeria, featuring in five major tournaments. He won AFCON bronze and silver medals and also earned an Olympic bronze during the Rio 2016 Games.
The defender was instrumental in Nigeria’s impressive run to the 2023 AFCON final in Ivory Coast, where his leadership and performances earned widespread praise. However, recent matches saw him lose a regular starting spot, particularly with the emergence of young defensive talent Benjamin Fredrick.
Despite being named in Nigeria’s 55-man provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON earlier this week, Troost-Ekong ultimately chose to step aside before the tournament begins.
His retirement marks the end of a significant era for the Super Eagles, with fans and teammates paying tribute to one of the team’s most dedicated leaders.
