Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a storied decade-long service to Nigeria. The defender, named in Coach Eric Chelle's provisional 55-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, stated he felt the time was right to step away from the national team.
A Bittersweet Decision After a Decade of Service
In an interview with Sky Sports, Troost-Ekong described his retirement as the closing of a significant chapter. The decision, he revealed, was one he had wrestled with for some time, but ultimately felt correct. "It feels like a chapter is closing. But I also feel happy, I feel proud," the former Tottenham Hotspur academy product said. He emphasized the immense honour of representing Nigeria, stating that being part of the Super Eagles for over ten years was one of the biggest honours of his life.
Troost-Ekong's announcement comes amidst background whispers linking his exit to the team's past actions, including a strike over unpaid allowances dating back to 2019, which occurred during his captaincy. However, the centre-back made no direct reference to these incidents in his farewell address, focusing instead on his personal journey and achievements.
Highs, Lows, and Historic AFCON 2023 Campaign
His international career was a notable rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. Troost-Ekong was part of the Nigerian squad that clinched a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He later helped the team secure a third-place finish at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations before leading them to greater heights in 2023.
The 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast stands as the pinnacle of his Super Eagles tenure. As captain, he inspired the team to the final, becoming the tournament's highest-scoring defender ever. In a historic personal achievement, he was named the Player of the Tournament. He recalled scoring the opening goal in the final as a career highlight, though the subsequent 2-1 defeat to the hosts marked a profound low.
Reflecting on that emotional run, Troost-Ekong admitted he had already contemplated retirement beforehand. "I think maybe because I already had the first thoughts about stopping at that time. I was probably more emotional," he said, also acknowledging a strained relationship with the then-coach that was later mended. He approached the tournament determined to enjoy it as his last, a mindset that perhaps freed him to deliver his "best version" and lead the team to the final.
Navigating Pressure and Embracing the Nigerian Football Family
Troost-Ekong spoke candidly about the unique pressures of captaining the Super Eagles, a role he grew into and never imagined at the start of his journey. He highlighted the complex ecosystem surrounding the team, involving the coach, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the immensely passionate fans.
"It's difficult to do because there are so many moving parts... It can be a lot sometimes," he admitted. His strategy for managing this was to foster a tight-knit unit. He described treating the team as a family, creating a protective circle to navigate external expectations and internal dynamics, which he also identified as the beauty of Nigerian football.
With his retirement now public, William Troost-Ekong leaves the stage as one of Nigeria's most decorated modern defenders, his legacy cemented by a tireless work ethic, leadership, and a memorable AFCON 2023 performance that will be celebrated by fans for years to come.
