SUPER Eagles of Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has surprisingly announced his retirement from international football just over two weeks to the kick-off of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be featuring in the AFCON along with 23 other national teams, with the tournament scheduled for December 21 to January 18.
Troost-Ekong, 32, was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father.
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE,” Troost-Ekong wrote in a statement on both X and Instagram today.
“Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will.
“Here’s to the next chapter.”
Troost-Ekong made his first appearance for the Super Eagles in 2015 after having featured for the Netherlands at junior international level, and has made 83 appearances for Nigeria.
Troost-Ekong was in the Super Eagles squad that won bronze at the 2019 AFCON, and was voted Player of the Tournament in the 2023 edition after captaining the team to the final and scoring as they lost to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
In a lengthy statement, Troost-Ekong detailed his Super Eagles journey, noting how he received a phone call from the late great Stephen Keshi 10 years ago, when the legendary defender was the Nigeria head coach.
“To the Nigerian fans, the heartbeat of Nigerian football, your support has carried me through every high and every challenge,” he wrote while expressing pride in playing for the Super Eagles alongside his teammates.
“This isn’t an final goodbye. My work with Nigerian communities continues. Just as my love and passion for this team will never fade.
“The last decade has been filled with commitment, pride and unforgettable memories.
“Wearing the Super Eagles shirt has been more than playing football. It’s been a duty, a privilege and an honour.”
Incidentally, Troost-Ekong’s last notable act as Super Eagles captain was leading the team to boycott training on the eve of the World Cup play-offs in November as they demanded the payment of their owed allowances and bonuses from the Nigeria Football Federation.
The pay dispute was resolved but the Super Eagles were beaten in the African play-offs final by the Democratic Republic of Congo and will not be featuring at the 2026 World Cup.