Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a distinguished career that spanned more than ten years and multiple major tournaments.
His announcement came on his verified X handle, where he reflected on a journey that began in 2015 under the guidance of the late Stephen Keshi.
Troost-Ekong was recently included in Coach Eric Chelle’s provisional 55-man list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but the defender explained that he made the decision after long personal reflection.
He described his national team debut as the turning point that shaped his footballing identity and future ambitions.
His rise from a young defender born in the Netherlands to the trusted captain of one of Africa’s most celebrated football teams remains a defining storyline in modern Nigerian football.
The News Chronicle gathered that Troost-Ekong’s influence extended far beyond his on-field performances.
He served as a link between local and diaspora-born players, demonstrating that commitment and excellence, rather than origin, determine success in the national colours.
His leadership was particularly felt during the 2023 AFCON, where he scored in the final and emerged as Player of the Tournament.
During his international career, Troost-Ekong earned 83 caps, featured in five major tournaments, and collected medals at the Olympics and multiple AFCON outings.
He also became the highest-scoring defender in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, a record he attributed to teamwork and collective resilience.
As he steps away, the former captain expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches and fans, noting that the iconic shirt he wore with pride must now be passed on to the next generation.
He emphasised that his journey shows young footballers everywhere, especially those from the diaspora, that representing Nigeria at the highest level is achievable through dedication and belief.
