The captain of Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has announced his retirement from international football, ending a decade-long career with Nigeria. His final match came last month after Nigeria’s unsuccessful playoff against DR Congo for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Troost-Ekong made his senior debut in 2015 under the late coach Stephen Keshi. Earned around 83 caps and featured in five major tournaments for Nigeria. Claimed multiple honors, a bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics, AFCON medals (including 2019 bronze and 2023 silver), and was named Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2023, when Nigeria reached the final and he scored in the decider. Retires as the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history.
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE. 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.”
He added that the time has come to pass the responsibility to the next generation, but emphasized that this is not a final goodbye his love for the national team endures. With Troost-Ekong’s departure, the Super Eagles lose not only a top defender, but a symbolic leader and source of stability. The team now faces a transitional moment new defensive leaders must emerge, and the captain’s armband must be passed on.
source: ghanaweb
