Retirement: Troost-Ekong ends Super Eagles career after 10 years of service

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international duty, bringing an end to a decade-long stint with Nigeria. The defender disclosed the decision on Thursday, sharing an emotional message with fans.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Troost-Ekong thanked the nation for the opportunity to wear the green and white, calling it the highlight of his football journey. He wrote that although he is stepping away from the pitch, his commitment to the team remains strong as he moves into the next phase of his life.

“Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life,” Ekong said.

“The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”

His announcement came shortly after football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported the development.

“William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football and won’t play for Nigeria again. After 83 caps, 3 medals and playing in 5 major tournaments, Troost-Ekong says goodbye to the Super Eagles,” Romano wrote on X.

Troost-Ekong, currently with Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father. He initially featured for the Netherlands at youth level before committing to Nigeria, making his senior debut on June 13, 2015, in an AFCON qualifier against Chad.

His remarkable tally of five goals at the AFCON — the most ever scored by a defender in the competition’s history — will now stand as a record following his exit from the national team.

Over the course of 83 caps, he recorded eight goals for Nigeria, with his last appearance coming as a late substitute against Gabon on November 13.

Troost-Ekong has seen limited action under current head coach Eric Chelle and was not used in the decisive World Cup play-off defeat to DR Congo, a loss that sealed Nigeria’s absence from the tournament. His reduced game time followed his slide behind Benjamin Fredrick in the defensive lineup.

Despite being named in Nigeria’s provisional 54-man squad for the upcoming AFCON in Morocco, the list is set to be cut to 28 players. The team is scheduled to open camp in Egypt on December 10, ahead of the competition’s kickoff on December 21.

With his departure, the Super Eagles lose one of their most experienced leaders as Chelle finalises preparations for the tournament.