Ofure Akhigbe
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Super Eagles teammates have showered tributes on Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong following his announcement of retirement from international football on Thursday, bringing an end to a decade-long career with the national team, just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 32-year-old defender confirmed the decision in an emotional video shared on social media, ending days of speculation that followed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 4–3 penalty shoot-out defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the playoffs.
Troost-Ekong, who made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 under the late Stephen Keshi, described his international career as the “greatest privilege” of his life.
“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,” he said.
“Every single time I put on the iconic shirt to walk out onto the pitch, I thought about that moment. Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams.”
Expressing gratitude to fans, coaches and teammates, Ekong said wearing the captain’s armband was an honour he would forever cherish.
“To have achieved 83 senior caps, played in five major tournaments, won three medals and broken a few records, I really lived my dreams,” he added.
The defender also relived the emotional high of the 2023 AFCON tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, where he captained Nigeria to the final, scored in the decisive match and was named Player of the Tournament.
“The time has come to pass on the responsibility, the opportunity and the captaincy. I am proud to have shown that it is possible to come home to play and represent our beloved nation,” he said.
Tributes poured in from teammates and football authorities following the announcement. Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers described him as a “Legend”, while Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina wrote, “My champion!!!” Forward Ademola Lookman called him a “Leader”.
CAF also paid tribute on X, posting: “Legends remain, in their time and long after it. William Troost-Ekong. It’s been a pleasure, captain.”
Ekong’s retirement came less than 48 hours after he was named in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for the forthcoming AFCON, scheduled to commence in Morocco on December 21, 2025.
Although he represented the Netherlands at youth level, Ekong chose to play for Nigeria and made his senior debut in 2015 during an AFCON qualifier against Chad. He featured for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, was appointed one of the team’s leaders in 2021, and won bronze at the 2019 AFCON.
His finest moment came at AFCON 2023, where he scored three goals, including a header in the final, as Nigeria finished runners-up to the host nation. His performances earned him the tournament’s Best Player award — a rare feat for a defender.
Ekong retires from international football with 83 caps and eight goals.
Nigeria, who are drawn in Group C of the upcoming AFCON alongside Uganda, Tunisia and Tanzania, will now head into the tournament without one of their most experienced and influential leaders.