Super Eagles skipper Troost-Ekong retires from international football ahead of AFCON
Nigeria’s national team captain, William Troost-Ekong, has announced his retirement from international football, a surprising decision that comes only weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins on December 21.
The 31-year-old defender revealed his exit from the international stage in an emotional video posted on his X account on Thursday evening, bringing an end to a decade-long career with the Super Eagles.
Troost-Ekong, who was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, said playing for Nigeria had been one of the greatest privileges of his career.
He noted that donning the green-and-white jersey fulfilled a personal dream of reconnecting with his roots.
He expressed gratitude to fans, coaches and teammates, saying the support he received throughout his journey in the national team helped shape him on and off the pitch.
The centre-back explained that he felt it was the right moment to hand over the captain’s armband and allow a new leadership group to emerge.
His announcement came just two days after his name appeared on the country’s 54-man provisional squad released by head coach Antonio Conceição “Chelle” for the upcoming AFCON tournament in Morocco.
Troost-Ekong first featured for the Super Eagles in 2015 during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier under coach Stephen Keshi.
His rise within the squad was swift, and alongside fellow defender Leon Balogun, he formed the highly regarded “Oyinbo Wall”—a partnership praised for its discipline and consistency.
In 2016, he played a pivotal role at the Rio Olympics, helping Nigeria secure bronze in the men’s football event.
He later represented the country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and was part of the squad that clinched third place at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
Ekong enjoyed one of the high points of his international career at the 2024 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where he captained Nigeria to a silver-medal finish and earned the prestigious Player of the Tournament award for his commanding performances.
Despite the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Ekong remained a central figure in the team’s defence.
His departure marks the end of an international career that saw him earn 83 caps and score eight goals.
The Al-Kholood defender said he will continue to support the Super Eagles from the sidelines as they march toward AFCON 2025.
He urged Nigerians to rally behind the squad, expressing confidence in the team’s potential to reclaim continental glory.
His retirement leaves a significant leadership gap as Nigeria finalises preparations for the continental championship, and attention will now turn to who will inherit the captaincy and anchor the defence in his absence.
