William Troost-Ekong has spoken about his immediate retirement from the Super Eagles, reflecting on his journey, his memories, and the emotional challenges behind his decision.
Speaking about why he chose to retire now, Ekong told Sky Sports:
“I feel there has been a lot of time to make this decision. I felt like this is the right time for me. I think I have had a great run with the Super Eagles, to be part of the team for ten years. Of course the decision was weighed out of missing out on the World Cup.
“I think that was one of my big targets, how I envisioned ending my time with the team. I just feel like there has been a gradual passing of the baton to where I am as one of the leaders of the team.”
“So it felt like the next generation of players and the boys that I have been playing with for the last years are given a chance to write their own story. It is sad, bittersweet, but it felt like the right time for me.”
On his Super Eagles Career
“It has been such a big part of my time growing up. To be part of the team is the biggest honor that I have had in my life so far. It has been so nice, so many great memories, amazing tournaments, and being part of a group which has become like family to me. I do not really know where to start.
“In 2015 when I had my first call up under Steven Keshi I could not believe I was there, and it felt like a dream come true to make my first start and win the first game. As the years passed you always want to have more.
“So for me to grow to become the captain of the team is always something I could not have imagined at the start of it. So many great memories and amazing moments to be part of.”
“It has been something special because the players that have been part of this generation created openings for players both in the diaspora or with mixed heritage to come home and represent Nigeria. So to be part of that work is something special to me.”
Highs and the lows
“I think it was the feeling of togetherness. I feel the one thing I had peace in was that I always gave everything I had. Just as there are many highs, there are also many lows. Missing out on tournaments, losing games, and coming out short in important moments.
“Those are the things that are part of the journey and made me who I became with the Super Eagles. So it has been great to be able to share that with my teammates, because some of the guys I have been with for ten years. It just means that we have been on that journey together.
“To share those moments with all the fans and enjoy the high moments and the low moments, sticking together when things are not going well, has taught me so much in life and has made me the person I am today. I think because representing Nigeria is something so big, it is a heavy shirt.
“Those high and low moments, you feel that and live it, and I have done that for the last decade. You feel it. So it has been a rollercoaster. I look back at so many amazing memories and I will cherish even the things I have learned from those moments.”
AFCON Regret and World Cup Qualifiers Fiasco
“I think those are the things that made it difficult. You always dream of a great ending, winning an AFCON, playing in the World Cup again. I had the privilege of being there in 2018, but with this set of players and this generation as captain that is what I dreamt of.
“I think that is also life. I think sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture.
“Circumstances change. I have a young family, traveling, injuries, which are all part of the life of a professional footballer. I love doing all these things and I would not give it up for anything, but there are some times in life when you have to judge where your priorities lie.
“If you cannot commit to that one hundred percent, then it is time to pass the baton on. I think we have got so much talent and players that are ready to do that.”
Troost-Ekong retires with 83 senior caps for Nigeria. He represented the country in five major tournaments.
These include the 2019, 2021, and 2023 AFCON editions, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He won two bronze medals, one at the Olympics and one at AFCON.
He captained Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON final and was named the player of the tournament. He also holds the record for the most goals scored by a defender in a single AFCON tournament.
