By

Christopher Clinton

 

In a stunning development just 19 days before Nigeria begins its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his immediate retirement from international football.

 

The 32-year-old defender, who has represented Nigeria with distinction for nearly a decade, revealed his decision yesterday via social media, bringing an emotional close to a storied international career that spanned 83 caps, five major tournaments, and three medals.

 

Born in Haarlem, Netherlands, and raised in Germany, Troost-Ekong’s journey to the green and white has long been one of passion, commitment, and patriotic resolve. After spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Udinese, Watford, and PAOK, he joined Al-Kholood of Saudi Arabia in August 2024, where he continues to play at club level.

 

In his heartfelt announcement, Troost-Ekong expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to don the national colors, writing:

“Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will.”

 

Despite hanging up his boots internationally, the 2023 AFCON MVP confirmed he will still travel with the Super Eagles to Morocco—this time in a supportive, non-playing capacity.

Since making his debut on May 25, 2015, in a friendly against Mali, Troost-Ekong has been a towering presence in Nigeria’s back line. He scored his first international goal later that year—a decisive strike in a 1–0 win over Chad during AFCON 2017 qualifiers.

From the 2018 World Cup in Russia to multiple AFCON tournaments, including the 2019 and 2021 editions, Troost-Ekong consistently delivered leadership, grit, and clutch performances. His crowning moment came at AFCON 2023, where he captained Nigeria to the final and earned the tournament’s prestigious Most Valuable Player award.

He was recently named in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025 but opted to prioritize his club career, paving the way for today’s announcement.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue an official statement on Troost-Ekong’s retirement. However, attention now turns to the question of captaincy.

Troost-Ekong himself endorsed Wilfred Onyiinye Ndidi as a strong successor, praising the midfielder’s leadership qualities and experience. Other senior figures such as Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen are also considered contenders.

 

Troost-Ekong’s Engagements & Achievements

🏅 National Team Honors

• 🥉 Rio 2016 Olympic Games (U-23)

• 🥉 AFCON 2019

• 🥈 AFCON 2023

 

🎖️ Individual Achievements

• AFCON Best XI (Group Stage) – 2021

• AFCON Player of the Tournament (MVP) – 2023

• First defender to score in three consecutive AFCONs (2019, 2021, 2023)

• Highest-scoring defender in AFCON history (5 goals)

• CAF African Footballer of the Year Nominee – 2024

• ANFA Special Award for AFCON Performance – 2025

• FIFA The Best Defender Nominee – 2024

• Member of the Order of the Niger (MON)

For nearly a decade, William Troost-Ekong stood as one of Nigeria’s most consistent and dependable leaders—on and off the field. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy as one of the greatest defenders to wear the Super Eagles jersey is firmly secured.