Nigeria’s football fraternity has poured heartfelt tributes on Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who on Thursday officially stepped away from international football—bringing to a close a decade of leadership and service less than three weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco.
The 32-year-old defender confirmed his decision in an emotional video posted on social media, ending a wave of speculation that began after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles were eliminated in a dramatic playoff against DR Congo, losing 4–3 on penalties.
Troost-Ekong’s journey with Nigeria began in 2015 when the late Stephen Keshi, fondly known as the Big Boss, handed him a life-changing late call-up. From that moment, the Dutch-born defender grew into one of the team’s most admired figures, eventually rising to captain the national side.
“Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football,” he said in the emotional farewell message. “A late call from coach Stephen Keshi in 2015 changed everything for me. His belief ignited a fire that shaped the rest of my career. Wearing the Nigerian jersey has been the greatest honour of my life.”
He reflected proudly on his Super Eagles tenure—83 caps, eight goals, five major tournaments, and three medals—calling the experience “a dream fully lived.”
The announcement triggered a flood of tributes from teammates, fans, and the wider African football community. Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers hailed him simply as “Legend.”
Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina celebrated him as “My champion!!!” while Ademola Lookman praised his leadership. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also joined in, writing: “Legends remain, in their time and long after it. William Troost-Ekong. It’s been a pleasure, captain.”
Interestingly, Troost-Ekong’s retirement came just 48 hours after his name appeared in head coach Eric Chelle’s provisional 54-man squad for AFCON 2025.
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, Troost-Ekong represented the Dutch youth sides before pledging his senior future to Nigeria.
He made his debut in an AFCON qualifier against Chad and went on to feature at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and successive AFCON tournaments. His performances at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast—where he scored three goals and captained the team to a silver medal—earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award, an uncommon honour for a centre-back.
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As Nigeria heads into AFCON 2025 in Group C alongside Uganda, Tunisia, and Tanzania, the Super Eagles will be without one of the most influential and respected players of their modern era.
Troost-Ekong departs having etched his name into Nigerian football history—a leader, a warrior, and a captain who gave the green-and-white everything.
