Vice captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, William Troost-Ekong, has drawn the curtain on his international career on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations.
This sudden departure of the former Watford defender leaves Eric Chelle’s team in a difficult position, just 18 days before the start of the 35th edition of the continental tournament.
“When you get so close, and you walk past the Afcon trophy, you want to be able to hold it in your own hands,” William Troost-Ekong told me about his determination to win the next Afcon for Nigeria in his home in Thessaloniki last year.
But last night, he closed the curtain on international football, leaving the Super Eagles without his immense leadership and defensive cover three weeks to the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football,” Ekong wrote in a statement that was shared via his Instagram account.
“In 2015, a phone call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life. A month later, the Big Boss gave me my debut. His belief in me ignited a desire to follow in his footsteps.
“Every single time I have put on that iconic shirt to walk out onto the pitch, I have thought back to that moment. Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams.
“Nigeria took me in and trusted me to lead and represent a nation of 230+ million. From a boy born and raised in the Netherlands to the Oyibo Wall and eventually Skippo is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart,” he wrote.
William Troost Ekong Retires: The End of an Era
It was not much of a surprise. He had dropped hints immediately Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Play-Offs penalty defeat to the Congo DR.
But one thought he was only feeling the waters around him after the training boycott debacle that left the NFF embarrassed in Morocco.
I think the inclusion of his name on the 55—man long list by coach Eric Chelle on Tuesday left him with no choice but to make the announcement public and close the door on a return to the side.
After 83 matches for the Super Eagles and a wealth of experience gained over the years, it is indeed the end of an era for Ekong.
His leadership on and off the field, his calmness and his steadiness will all be missed. He gave us belief during the Afcon in Cote d’Ivoire, where he shone like a million light candles on his way to winning the Player of the Tournament.
So many questions
As I glanced through Ekong’s Instagram announcement post, all I saw were questions from fans.
Why?
Why now?
These are the same questions that I have. And I sent them to Ekong through his publicist, but I have not received answers as of writing.
Two years ago, I met Ekong after a Europa League game in Frankfurt, where I asked if he had called time on his Nigeria career. At this time, he had been out of the team for more than a year.
He told me that he was still a part of the team if the coach called him up. Eventually, Jose Peseiro brought him back to the team, and he went on to deliver a fantastic Afcon performance.
But why now, so close to the next Afcon, where he has unfinished business?
I have my theory. I think that following the training boycott, Ekong might have decided that it was time to leave to avoid being scapegoated by the NFF leadership for the raucous.
He must have ruffled feathers during the negotiations. But the fact that Chelle still included his name in the long list meant that there was hope for his return.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle announces his Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad. pic.twitter.com/Y5WNgVIQ4b
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 2, 2025
However, to play it safe, he decided it was enough. And he will be sorely missed in the team.
Kaduna 2015 – Who’s that boy?
Who’s the new boy that Stephen Keshi has brought in? We all asked in Kaduna in 2015 when Ekong made his debut. I made pictures pitchside that day and published them on Goal.com.
Ekong reached out to me via Twitter to ask for some of the pictures he appeared in. I agreed to send them to him on the agreement that he would grant me an exclusive interview afterwards.
And that’s how a relationship started over the last 10 years. I monitored his burgeoning career, from the Belgian league, to Norway, where he became a team captain at 21, to the national team and to the Olympic team – I would email questions, and he would respond.
I went to interview him in Udinese in 2019. In 2024, I went to his home in Thessaloniki for another major interview.
Through it all, Ekong has been a model professional, offering insight when needed.
In 2023 in Naples, he tapped me on the shoulder as I was about to enter the Diego Maradona Stadium to watch Victor Osimhen against AC Milan in the quarter final of the UEFA Champions League. He was there to cheer on his national colleague.
He led from the front row and encouraged many of the players through the back channels.
Leaving the Super Eagles at a time like this must be difficult for Ekong. He gave the team his all.
But I know he made the right decision for himself and his family. And one can only wish him the best for the future because there is more life after football. Nigeria will always remember you for your dedication.
I will always see you as a great human, a beautiful soul. Enjoy your next chapter, William.