Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has officially announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a remarkable decade-long career with the Nigerian national team.
In a heartfelt statement, Troost-Ekong reflected on the journey that began in 2015 when a phone call from the late Coach Stephen Keshi changed his life forever. Just a month later, he made his debut for the Super Eagles — a moment that ignited his desire to follow in Keshi’s footsteps.
The defender expressed deep gratitude for every opportunity to wear the iconic green and white jersey, describing it as a privilege he will cherish forever. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Troost-Ekong said Nigeria took him in and trusted him to represent a nation of over 230 million people — a responsibility he carried with pride.
Troost-Ekong retires with 93 senior caps, appearances in five major tournaments, three medals, and several records to his name. His achievements include a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and standout performances across three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, where he won both bronze and silver medals.
One of his most memorable moments came at the 2023 AFCON, where he captained Nigeria, scored in the final, and was named Player of the Tournament. He also became the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history, an honour he says he proudly shares with his teammates.
Reflecting on his leadership role, Troost-Ekong spoke about the pride of guiding a new generation of Super Eagles players and the importance of passing on the captaincy. He described the iconic jersey as something that was “only borrowed,” saying it is now time for the next generation to write their own story.
Troost-Ekong thanked his coaches, staff, teammates — past and present — and especially the Nigerian fans, whom he called “the heartbeat of Nigerian football.” He credited their unwavering support for carrying him through every challenge.
Although retiring from international duty, Troost-Ekong clarified that this is not a final goodbye. He promised to continue contributing to Nigerian communities and expressed that his love and passion for the Super Eagles will never fade.
He concluded by calling the last decade “filled with commitment, pride, and unforgettable memories,” adding that wearing the Super Eagles shirt has been more than football — it has been “a duty, a privilege, and an honour.”
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N.)
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