Troost-Ekong retires from international football at 32

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32.

Troost-Ekong announced his retirement via a statement shared on his social media accounts on Thursday.

The Super Eagles defender described his journey with the national team as a “duty, privilege, and honour.”

Troost-Ekong, who earned 83 caps, participated in five major tournaments and won three medals, said he was leaving the stage with deep gratitude and peace.

The former AFCON Player of the Tournament recalled how a 2015 phone call from the late coach Stephen Keshi changed his life and marked the beginning of a remarkable international career.

“Nigeria took me in and trusted me to lead and represent a nation of 230+ million. From a boy born in the Netherlands to the Oyibo Wall and eventually skipper is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart,” he stated.

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Troost-Ekong’s achievements include a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, appearances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments — culminating in the historic 2023 AFCON where he captained Nigeria to a silver medal, scored in the final, and emerged as the tournament’s best player.

He noted that becoming the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history and leading the team through adversity were among the proudest moments of his career.

The former Watford and PAOK defender expressed pride in being part of a generation that proved diaspora-born players could return “home” and represent Nigeria with distinction.

He commended his teammates, coaches, backroom staff, and Nigerian fans who he described as “the heartbeat of Nigerian football.”

“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 write their own story,” Troost-Ekong said.

Troost-Ekong stressed that this is not a final goodbye, promising to remain active in Nigerian communities and continue supporting the national team.

The Star