In a significant moment for Nigerian football, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has officially announced his retirement from international duty. The defender, a pivotal figure for the national team, made the emotional announcement on his verified social media account on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
A Decade of Service and Sacrifice
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament stated that he gave the decision considerable thought before making it public. Troost-Ekong, who remarkably was still named in Coach Eric Chelle's 55-man provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON, ends a career that spanned over a decade.
His journey with the Super Eagles began in 2015 under the guidance of the late Stephen Keshi. "A phone call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life," Ekong recalled. "A month later, the Big Boss gave me my debut. His belief in me ignited a desire to follow in his footsteps." He noted that every time he wore the iconic green and white jersey, he remembered that initial call-up.
Rising to become the team's captain was an honour he described as "beyond my wildest dreams." He expressed profound gratitude to Nigeria for trusting a boy born and raised in the Netherlands to lead a nation of over 230 million people, embracing his journey from the 'Oyibo Wall' to 'Skippo.'
A Career Filled with Unforgettable Milestones
Troost-Ekong's international career is decorated with notable achievements. He earned 63 senior caps and represented Nigeria at five major tournaments, winning three medals.
His trophy cabinet includes a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and three AFCON appearances yielding bronze and, most recently, a silver medal. The pinnacle was undoubtedly the 2023 AFCON, where he led the team, scored in the final, and was crowned Player of the Tournament.
"To this day I still wish for a different ending," he said of the final loss. He also made history by becoming the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history, an honour he shares with every teammate involved. Reflecting on that tournament, he said it taught him the true Nigerian spirit of resilience, unity, and rising through adversity.
Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
Troost-Ekong stated he is at peace with his decision, knowing he gave everything. His mission was not only to achieve personal success but also to inspire future players, just as he was inspired by Nigerian legends.
"It has been fun to play alongside my Nigerian teammates, building something great together. Watching them grow into leaders, time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity and pass on the captaincy," he declared. He sees the iconic national team shirt as something he merely borrowed, and now it is the turn of the next generation to write their own story.
As a player of Nigerian and Dutch heritage who plied his trade in England, Belgium, Greece, Holland, Turkey, and currently Saudi Arabia, Troost-Ekong highlighted that his career proved players from the diaspora can succeed and lead for Nigeria. He concluded by thanking every coach, staff member, and teammate who was part of his remarkable international journey.
