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William Troost-Ekong Announces Emotional Retirement From International Football Ahead of AFCON 2025
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has officially retired from international football, bringing to a close a decade-long Super Eagles career defined by leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment. The 31-year-old departs just three weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, ending his journey at a moment he said “felt right.”
Troost-Ekong, who earned 83 caps and featured in five major tournaments, said his international story began with a life-changing phone call from the late Stephen Keshi.
“A phone call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life. His belief in me ignited a desire to follow in his footsteps,” he reflected.
A Journey Shaped by Purpose and Identity
The former Watford and PAOK defender said every outing in the Super Eagles jersey carried deep emotional weight.
“Every single time I put on that shirt and walked onto the pitch, I thought back to that first moment—when a legend like Keshi believed in me.”
Captaining Nigeria, he said, was an honour beyond his imagination.
“Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams. Nigeria took me in and trusted me to lead a nation of 230+ million. From a boy raised in the Netherlands to the ‘oyibo wall’ and eventually ‘skippo’—it is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”
Representing Nigeria, he added, helped define his identity:
“To lead Nigeria is not something you ever take lightly. It is a burden you carry with pride, with love, and with absolute commitment.”
Olympic Bronze, AFCON Heroics and a Historic Legacy
Troost-Ekong highlighted his Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medal as the spark that showed him the spirit of Nigerian football. He played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and three AFCON tournaments, but his defining moment came at AFCON 2023, where he scored in the final and was named Player of the Tournament.
“Scoring in the final and being named Player of the Tournament was something special. To this day, I still wish for a different ending,” he said.
He exits the stage as the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history, a record he called an unexpected honour:
“It happened because I gave everything—every tackle, every header, every moment.”
Passing the Torch
Troost-Ekong said he leaves with full confidence in the next generation:
“It has been fun to play alongside my teammates—watching them grow into leaders.”
He emphasised that the national team shirt is never owned, only borrowed:
“As a custodian of an iconic shirt, I’ve always known it was only borrowed. Now it’s the turn of the next generation to write their own story.”
As a diaspora-born player, he said representing Nigeria was one of the proudest decisions of his life:
“I am so proud to be part of a group that showed it’s possible to come home and represent our nation.”
Tribute to Fans, Coaches and the Nigerian Football Family
Troost-Ekong thanked everyone who shaped his journey:
“To every coach, member of staff, and my teammates past and present—thank you.”
He reserved special gratitude for Nigerian fans:
“To the Nigerian fans—the heartbeat of Nigerian football—your support carried me through every high and challenge. I will stand with you as you stood with me.”
He added that his bond with the country continues:
“This isn’t a final goodbye. My work within Nigerian communities continues, and my love for this team will never fade.”
His final reflection summed up the emotional end of an era:
“Wearing the Super Eagles shirt has been more than playing football. It has been a duty, a privilege, and an honour.”
A New Era for the Super Eagles
Troost-Ekong’s retirement leaves the Super Eagles without their long-standing leader just weeks before AFCON 2025. As Nigeria hunts for a fourth continental title, the immediate task will be identifying a new captain capable of filling the void left by one of the most respected defenders in African football.
His legacy—rooted in leadership, identity, and unwavering devotion—will remain a benchmark for future generations of Super Eagles.
