Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong Announces Retirement from International Football Ahead of AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s football fraternity has been thrown into reflection and nostalgia as Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, officially announced he is stepping away from international duty. The 31-year-old defender, widely respected for his leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the national team, confirmed that he will no longer be available for selection, including for the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 scheduled to kick off in Morocco later this month.
Troost-Ekong’s announcement marks the end of an illustrious international career that spanned more than a decade. His decision comes at a critical moment for the Super Eagles who are preparing for a major continental tournament under a transitioning squad and evolving tactical direction. The skipper, however, described the retirement as a deeply personal decision made after “careful thought and sincere gratitude for the honour of representing Nigeria.”
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, Troost-Ekong chose to commit his international future to Nigeria early in his career, a decision that would later define his footballing legacy. He made his senior debut in 2015 and has since earned over 70 caps, featuring in multiple AFCON tournaments, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Over the years, he became a central figure in the team’s defensive setup and a trusted leader both on and off the pitch.
His most iconic moment came at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, where he captained the Super Eagles to a silver medal and won the award for Player of the Tournament. Ekong was praised for his tactical discipline, commanding presence, and ability to unite his teammates during crucial moments. Many fans still recall his decisive goal against South Africa in the semifinals. a moment that cemented his name among Nigeria’s modern football legends.
In his announcement, Troost-Ekong expressed heartfelt gratitude to Nigerian fans, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), his teammates, and coaching staff. He acknowledged that playing for the Super Eagles was “one of the greatest honours of my life,” adding that the decision to step away was not made lightly. The captain hinted that he will now focus on prolonging his club career while also exploring opportunities off the pitch.
Reactions have poured in from across the football world. Teammates, both past and present, hailed him as a model captain whose professionalism and humility set a benchmark for younger players. The NFF, in a statement, lauded his commitment to national service and wished him success in future endeavours. Fans, meanwhile, took to social media to express a blend of appreciation and sadness, many calling him “a true leader” and “one of the most disciplined captains in recent history.”
Troost-Ekong’s retirement leaves a significant leadership gap ahead of AFCON 2025. The Super Eagles, who have faced fluctuations in form over recent months, will now need to regroup quickly as they head into one of the toughest continental tournaments. Discussions have already begun regarding who will inherit the captain’s armband, with senior players such as Wilfred Ndidi, Kenneth Omeruo, and Victor Osimhen mentioned among likely candidates.
Despite his departure, Troost-Ekong assured Nigerians that he will continue supporting the team from afar and believes the Super Eagles have the talent and spirit to compete strongly in Morocco. “Nigeria will always be a part of me,” he said. “I may not be on the pitch, but I will always be one of the team’s biggest supporters.”
As the Super Eagles set their sights on AFCON 2025, the nation bids farewell to one of its most dependable defenders of the modern era. Troost-Ekong’s legacy defined by courage, loyalty, and leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of Nigerian footballers.
