Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, ending his career with Nigeria’s senior national team.
The defender made the announcement on Thursday through a statement posted on his X page.
Troost-Ekong earned 83 caps for Nigeria and participated in five major tournaments.
He described his decision to retire as one made “with peace” and noted that he had given his full effort throughout his international career.
He recalled a 2015 phone call from the late Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, which led to his senior debut a month later.
“Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams,” Troost-Ekong wrote.
“Nigeria took me in and trusted me to lead and represent a nation of 230+ million. From a boy born and raised in the Netherlands to the Oyibo Wall and eventually skippo is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”
He highlighted several milestones, including a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and appearances at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including AFCON 2023, where he scored in the final and was named Player of the Tournament.
“To this day I still wish for a different ending,” he said, noting that becoming the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history was an achievement he shared with his teammates.
Troost-Ekong paid tribute to the coaches, staff, teammates, and fans who supported him.
“As a custodian of an iconic shirt, I’ve always known it was only borrowed. Now it’s the turn of the next generation to continue to write their own story,” he said.
Although stepping away from the national team, Troost-Ekong said he will continue his work within Nigerian communities and his involvement with the Super Eagles.
“The last decade has been filled with commitment, pride, and unforgettable memories. Wearing the Super Eagles shirt has been more than playing football. It has been a duty, a privilege, and an honour,” he added.
Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands and represented the country at youth level before choosing to play for Nigeria.
He made his senior debut in 2015 during an AFCON qualifier against Chad and was part of the squad at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
He won a bronze medal with Nigeria at AFCON 2019.
His most notable performance came at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where he scored three goals, including a header in the final, as Nigeria finished second.
He was also named Player of the Tournament, becoming one of the few defenders to receive the honour.
Troost-Ekong retires as one of the central figures in Nigeria’s football team over the past decade, passing on the captaincy and his responsibilities to the next generation.
