Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a distinguished career that spanned a decade, 83 senior caps, and participation in five major tournaments.
Troost-Ekong, who made his debut for Nigeria in 2015 under the late Stephen Keshi, described the call-up that launched his international journey as life-changing. According to him, Keshi’s belief ignited a desire to follow in the legendary coach’s footsteps and serve Nigeria with commitment and pride.
The skipper, born and raised in the Netherlands, reflected on the privilege of leading a nation of over 230 million people. He said wearing the iconic Super Eagles shirt and eventually earning the captain’s armband were honours he would forever hold close to his heart.
Troost-Ekong’s international career is decorated with memorable achievements, including a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, a bronze at the AFCON, and most recently a silver medal. He played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and featured prominently in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He also exits the scene as the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history.
One of the high points of his career was the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he led Nigeria to the final, scored in the decisive match, and emerged as the Player of the Tournament. He admitted wishing for a different outcome in the final but said the experience taught him the true spirit of being Nigerian, resilience, unity, and rising through adversity.
The captain said he was stepping aside with peace of mind, having given everything to inspire the next generation the way he was inspired by the legends before him. He acknowledged the growth of his younger teammates and said it was time to pass on the responsibility and the iconic shirt to the next generation.
Troost-Ekong also expressed pride in being part of a team that proved Nigerians in the diaspora can return home to represent their nation with distinction.
He thanked coaches, staff, teammates past and present, and the Nigerian fans whom he described as the “heartbeat of Nigerian football,” noting that their support carried him through every high and low of his journey.
Despite retiring from the national team, Troost-Ekong emphasised that this is not a final farewell, as his work within Nigerian communities will continue. He said his love and passion for the Super Eagles will remain unwavering.
The defender concluded by describing the last decade as one filled with commitment, pride, and unforgettable memories, adding that wearing the Super Eagles shirt was more than playing football, it was a duty, a privilege, and an honour.
