Super Eagles players and the Confederation of African Football, CAF, have hailed William Troost-Ekong following his announcement to retire from international football.

The 32-year-old defender, who ended a decade-long career with Nigeria, made the decision just two weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

 

Troost-Ekong confirmed his retirement in an emotional video posted on social media, bringing an end to days of speculation following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This came after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the World Cup qualifiers.

 

In his video, the defender reflected on his journey with the national team, calling it the “greatest privilege” of his life. He credited the late Stephen Keshi for changing his life with a late call-up in 2015, which led to his debut under then-coach Sunday Oliseh.

 

“Today, I’m announcing my retirement from international football. In 2015, a late call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life. A month later, the Big Boss gave me my debut. His belief in me ignited the desire to follow his footsteps,” Troost-Ekong said in the heartfelt message.

He went on to express his pride in captaining the Super Eagles, something he described as “beyond his wildest dreams.” Troost-Ekong also looked back fondly on his 83 caps for Nigeria, playing in five major tournaments and winning three medals, including a bronze at the 2019 AFCON.

 

“Every single time I put on the iconic shirt to walk out onto the pitch, I have thought about that exact moment,” he said. “Wearing the Super Eagles armband was an honour I will forever cherish.”

The defender’s emotional journey with Nigeria culminated in a standout performance at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where he captained the team to the final, scored in the decisive match, and was named Player of the Tournament.

 

Troost-Ekong expressed peace in stepping aside, believing he had given everything to inspire future generations of Super Eagles stars. “The time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity, to pass on the captaincy,” he said. “I am so proud to be part of a group that fully showed it is possible to come home, to play and represent our beloved nation.”

 

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His retirement announcement has been met with tributes from teammates and football officials. Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers described Troost-Ekong as a “Legend,” while Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina called him “My champion!!!” and Ademola Lookman praised his leadership qualities, labeling him a “Leader.” CAF also paid tribute on social media, writing: “Legends remain, in their time and long after it. William Troost-Ekong. It’s been a pleasure, captain.”

 

This decision comes just days after being named in the preliminary 54-player squad for the upcoming AFCON, which will kick off in Morocco on December 21. While he represented the Netherlands at youth levels, Troost-Ekong chose to play for Nigeria, debuting in 2015 in an AFCON qualifier against Chad.

 

He went on to feature at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and was a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s leadership structure in subsequent years. His finest moments came at the 2023 AFCON, where he scored three goals, including a header in the final, as Nigeria finished with silver behind the host nation, Ivory Coast. His remarkable contributions earned him the rare honour of being named the tournament’s Player of the Tournament — an achievement almost unheard of for a defender.

 

Source: PUNCH