William Troost-Ekong, the captain of Nigeria, has left international football after being selected in the Super Eagles’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) provisional squad, which is scheduled to begin on December 21.
Ekong, who has been a member of the Super Eagles since 2015, made the announcement in a message on his X handle on Thursday night.
He stated in the video post, “Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football.”
Troost-Ekong, who was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and a Nigerian father, praised the honor of representing the three-time African champions.
APPRECIATED GREATFUL . A SUPER EAGLE EVER
The greatest blessing of my life has been playing for Nigeria. My support won’t always be there, though the journey may come to an end.
The chapter will begin now. pic. twitter.com/qt7MoMZHiW
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The defender expressed gratitude for being a “part of the group that demonstrated that it is possible to play and represent our beloved nation.”
However, he claimed that the “time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity, to pass on the captaincy.”
The footballer thanked the “past and present who have participated in my international journey,” as well as the fans, teammates, and coaches of Nigeria.
“The heart of Nigerian football, to all you Nigerian fans. You have supported me through every challenge and high. The player said, “I will stand with you as you did for me.”
About two days after being added to Nigeria’s 54-man provisional list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), he retired.
Also available: Full List of Nigeria’s Provisional AFCON Squad, Boniface, Uzoho, and Iheanacho.
During Stephen Kesshi’s time as Nigeria’s coach, Troost-Ekong made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 against Chad in an AFCON qualifier.
The defender helped the team under Samson Siasia, who was represented by Nigeria at the Rio Olympics, capture the bronze medal in football the following year.
The Super Eagles’ “Oyinbo Wall” tag, which honors his impressive defensive partnership, was given to him by his partnership with Leon Balogun.
The Al-Kholood defensive strongman featured for the Super Eagles at the 2018 edition of the competition in Russia despite playing a significant role in Nigeria’s failed bid to win the 2026 World Cup.
He led the team to a second-place finish at the 2024 edition in Cote d’Ivoire where he became known as the Player of the Competition after taking bronze with Nigeria at the AFCON in Egypt a year later.
Source: Channels TV
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