Super Eagles CB William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a decade-long journey.
In an emotional statement released on Thursday evening, the 32-year-old revealed his decision.
“Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football,” Troost-Ekong wrote. “From a boy born and raised in the Netherlands to the Oyibo Wall and eventually Skippo, it is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”
The defender’s international career began in 2015 when the late Stephen Keshi handed him a
surprise call-up.
He made his senior international debut for the Super Eagles on 13 June 2015, playing 90 minutes in an AFCON qualifying match against Chad.
What started as an unexpected opportunity quickly grew into one of the most consistent and successful spells in modern Nigerian football history.
Troost-Ekong went on to feature in five major tournaments: the Rio 2016 Olympics (bronze medal), the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (bronze in 2019 and silver in 2023).
Record Maker
His crowning moment came at AFCON 2023, where he scored in the semi-final, netted in the final, and was named Player of the Tournament.
In doing so, he became the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history.
“That tournament taught me what it truly means to be Nigerian; that in adversity, we come together, we hustle, we fight through the pain, and we rise,” he reflected.
The centre-back also paid tribute to the supporters who adopted him as one of their own.
“To the Nigerian fans, the heartbeat of Nigerian football. Your support has carried me through every high and every challenge. I will stand with you as you stood with me.”
While he steps away from the national team, Troost-Ekong made it clear that this is not a complete goodbye.
“This is not a final goodbye. My work within Nigerian communities continues, just as my love and passion for this team will never fade.”
Ekong Passes the Baton
“As a custodian of an iconic shirt, I have always known it was only borrowed. Now it is the turn of the next generation to continue to write their own story.”
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
Tributes have already begun pouring in from fans across the nation for a man who proudly carried the nickname Oyibo Wall and led by example both on and off the pitch.
Ekong bows out with 83 caps, three international medals, several individual accolades, and the enduring respect of fans.
