Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, has officially ended his international career after a decade at the heart of the Super Eagles’ defence, confirming the news in an emotional announcement on Thursday.
Sharing the update on Instagram, the veteran defender reflected on the honour of representing Nigeria, calling it the pinnacle of his football journey.
While stepping back from national duties, he assured fans that his commitment to the team remains unwavering.
“Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life,” Troost-Ekong wrote. “The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”
His statement followed shortly after football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed the decision, noting the significance of Troost-Ekong’s contributions. “William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football and won’t play for Nigeria again. After 83 caps, 3 medals and playing in 5 major tournaments, Troost-Ekong says goodbye to the Super Eagles,” Romano posted on X.
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Troost-Ekong, currently with Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood, was born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father and Dutch mother. After representing the Netherlands at youth level, he opted to play for Nigeria and made his senior debut on June 13, 2015, in an AFCON qualifier against Chad.
His legacy includes a historic five-goal tally at the Africa Cup of Nations—the highest ever scored by a defender in the tournament’s history. With his retirement, that record now stands unchallenged.
Across 83 appearances, Troost-Ekong scored eight goals, with his final match coming as a late substitute against Gabon on November 13. Under current head coach Eric Chelle, he had seen limited game time, slipping behind Benjamin Fredrick in the defensive pecking order and remaining unused during the crucial World Cup play-off loss to DR Congo, which ultimately cost Nigeria a place at the tournament.
Though part of Nigeria’s provisional 54-man list for the upcoming AFCON in Morocco this December, the squad will soon be trimmed to 28 players ahead of camp opening in Egypt on December 10.
With Troost-Ekong stepping away, the Super Eagles prepare to forge ahead without one of their most seasoned and influential leaders as Chelle finalises his team for the continental showpiece.