William Troost-Ekong Breaks Silence After Retiring From Super Eagles Weeks Before AFCON 2025
- William Troost-Ekong has retired from the Super Eagles with 83 caps, five major tournaments, and an AFCON MVP award
- The 31-year-old defender steps down from national team duties weeks before the start of AFCON 2025
- Ekong has pledged his continued support for the Super Eagles and hints at staying involved in Nigerian football
William Troost-Ekong has finally spoken publicly after announcing his retirement from international football, just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 31-year-old captain, who was included in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad, surprised fans by stepping away from the Nigerian national team at a time when Nigeria is preparing for another major tournament.
Source: Getty Images
In an emotional message shared on X, the Al-Kholood defender reflected on his decade-long journey with the Super Eagles, calling it the “greatest privilege” of his life.
Ekong’s short video and heartfelt caption set the tone for a farewell that was both dignified and deeply personal.
Ekong breaks silence after retirement
Troost-Ekong’s farewell message made clear how much playing for the Super Eagles meant to him.
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE,” he wrote.
“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.”
The centre-back retires with 83 caps, appearances across five major tournaments, and a reputation as one of the most committed defenders of his generation.
His leadership shone brightest at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he captained Nigeria to the final and won the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award, CAF Online reports.
Source: Getty Images
But in recent months, Troost-Ekong found himself facing a new phase in his career as the rise of 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick meant the captain was no longer an automatic starter.
The shift became most obvious during the World Cup play-off loss to DR Congo, where he remained on the bench for the entire game, despite being assigned a penalty for the shootout.
Ekong’s legacy with the Super Eagles
Troost-Ekong’s journey with the Super Eagles began in 2015 under the late Stephen Keshi, who gave him his first cap.
He quickly formed an iconic partnership with Leon Balogun, famously dubbed the Oyibo Wall, a defensive pairing that became central to Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup campaign and subsequent AFCON tournaments.
As reported by The Standard, Ekong’s honours with the Super Eagles include a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, another bronze at AFCON 2019, and the historic MVP award at AFCON 2023.
Although he will no longer feature on the pitch, Troost-Ekong made it clear his connection to Nigeria remains unbroken.
The Dutch-born defender hinted at staying involved with the national team in a new capacity, though he did not reveal what his next role might be.
As Ekong steps away, Nigeria says farewell not just to a centre-back, but to a leader whose story inspired a generation. His boots may be off, but his legacy continues.
Ekong is one of Nigeria's best captains
Meanwhile, Nigerian football expert, Toritseju Williams, in a chat with Legit.ng, has hailed Troost-Ekong as one of Nigeria's best captains.
"In the history of the Super Eagles, Ekong will go down in history as one of Nigeria's best captains despite not winning a major trophy with the national team.
"Since taking the armband from Ahmed Musa, Ekong has led on and off the pitch and has shown he is the type of leader that commands the respect of his fellow teammates.
Chelle drops Ekong as captain
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has stripped Troost-Ekong of the captain’s armband ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Troost-Ekong has chosen to focus on his club commitments following the controversy that erupted during the World Cup play-off.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
