In a move that has stunned Nigerian football fans, William Troost-Ekong, the Captain of the Super Eagles, officially announced his retirement from International football today, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 10-year career.
The 31-year-old centre-back revealed the decision in an emotional post on X, declaring: “HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE.” He described wearing the green-white-green shirt as “the greatest privilege” of his life.
Troost-Ekong made his debut in 2015 under late coach Stephen Keshi and went on to earn 83 caps — featuring in five major tournaments including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
His crowning moment came in the delayed 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where he captained Nigeria to the final and was named Player of the Tournament.
Though stepping down from National duty, Troost-Ekong promised that this is “not a final goodbye.” He said he will remain a proud supporter of the Super Eagles and intends to travel with the squad to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco — albeit in a non-playing capacity.
As Nigeria heads into AFCON 2025, the search begins for a new leader — a torch now expected to pass to Senior players such as Wilfred Ndidi. The departure of Troost-Ekong marks the end of one of the most iconic defensive eras in Super Eagles history.
