Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Retires From International Football Weeks Before AFCON

Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Retires From International Football Weeks Before AFCON

In a surprising turn of events, Nigeria’s national team captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football just weeks before the commencement of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The announcement came on December 4, 2025, via a heartfelt video message posted on his official X account, where the defender expressed gratitude to fans, teammates, and coaches who had been part of his decade-long journey with the Super Eagles.

Troost-Ekong, born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, made the decision to represent Nigeria in 2015, a choice he described as an honour and a privilege. His debut came during an AFCON qualifier against Chad under the guidance of coach Stephen Keshi. Since then, he has been a consistent presence in the squad, amassing 83 caps and scoring eight goals. His defensive partnership with Leon Balogun earned them the nickname “Oyinbo Wall,” a testament to their formidable presence at the back.

The defender’s career highlights include helping Nigeria secure a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics under Samson Siasia, playing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and winning bronze at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. Most notably, he captained the Super Eagles to a runner-up finish at the 2024 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was named Player of the Tournament and received the Golden Ball award.

In his farewell message, Troost-Ekong emphasized the importance of passing on the responsibility of leadership, noting that “the time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity, to pass on the captaincy.” He thanked Nigerian supporters, calling them “the heartbeat of Nigerian football,” and pledged to continue standing with them even after his retirement.

His decision comes just two days after being named in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad for the upcoming AFCON, scheduled to begin on December 21, 2025. The timing of his retirement has sparked discussions within Nigerian football circles, as his leadership and experience were expected to play a crucial role in the team’s campaign.

Troost-Ekong’s departure marks the end of an era for the Super Eagles. His contributions on and off the pitch have left an indelible mark on Nigerian football, and his legacy as a leader, defender, and ambassador of the sport will continue to inspire future generations.