Nigeria’s national football captain, William Troost-Ekong, has officially announced his retirement from international football, ending a decade-long career with the Super Eagles. The announcement came on Thursday, with Troost-Ekong sharing an emotional message on Instagram.
“Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life,” he wrote. “The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”
Okay News reports that the defender’s retirement was confirmed shortly after football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed the news. “William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football and will not play for Nigeria again. After 83 caps, three medals, and featuring in five major tournaments, Troost-Ekong says goodbye to the Super Eagles,” Romano tweeted.
Troost-Ekong, who currently plays for Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father. He represented the Netherlands at youth levels before committing his senior international career to Nigeria, making his debut on June 13, 2015, against Chad in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
The defender’s record at AFCON is notable; his five goals remain the most scored by a defender in the tournament’s history. Over 83 appearances for Nigeria, Troost-Ekong scored a total of eight goals. His final match came as a late substitute against Gabon on November 13, 2025.
Under current head coach Eric Chelle, Troost-Ekong’s role had diminished, culminating in his absence from key matches, including the decisive World Cup play-off defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, which confirmed Nigeria’s failure to qualify.
Despite being named in the preliminary 54-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the final list will be trimmed to 28 players, with camp set to begin in Egypt on December 10 ahead of the tournament commencing on December 21.
Troost-Ekong leaves behind a legacy of leadership and experience, and his absence will create a significant gap as the Super Eagles prepare for the continental championship.
