William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football, bringing his time with the Nigerian national team to a close.
Ekong earned 83 senior caps for Nigeria and made his international debut on 13 June 2015 against Chad, in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.
The Center-back shared a heartfelt message on X alongside a video:
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”
HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE 🦅🇳🇬
Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will.
Here’s to the next chapter. pic.twitter.com/qt7MoMZHiW
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) December 4, 2025
Ekong represented Nigeria in five major tournaments: the 2019, 2021, and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He won two bronze medals—one at the Olympics and one at the AFCON.
As captain, he led Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON final and was named the tournament’s best player.
He also holds the record as the highest goal scorer for a defender in a single AFCON tournament.
Also read: AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Need Stubborn Coach – Sunday Oliseh
Meanwhile, the 32 year-old’s decision to retire has comes as a shock.
Earlier this week Ekong was named in the preliminary squad for the 2025 AFCON.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle will now look to name a new permanent captain for Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco.
