Nigeria defender William Troost-Ekong on Wednesday called time on his international career, ending a decade-long stint with the Super Eagles that included 83 caps, eight goals and a record-breaking scoring haul for a defender at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 32-year-old centre-back, currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood, made the announcement via Instagram, expressing profound gratitude for representing his father’s homeland.
“Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life,” Troost-Ekong wrote. “The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”
Born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father and Dutch mother, Troost-Ekong switched allegiance from Dutch youth teams to make his senior Nigeria debut in a 2015 AFCON qualifier against Chad. He went on to feature in five major tournaments, winning three medals and scoring five goals at AFCON finals – a record for a defender that remains unmatched.04dc9f
His final appearance came as a late substitute in a match against Gabon on November 13.
The retirement, confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, comes just weeks before the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where Troost-Ekong had been named in Nigeria’s provisional 54-man squad. The decision follows a diminished role under new coach Eric Chelle, including being an unused substitute in a recent World Cup qualifier loss to DR Congo.
Troost-Ekong captained the side to the 2023 AFCON final in Ivory Coast, earning Player of the Tournament honours despite Nigeria’s runner-up finish.e82ea5
His departure leaves a void in the Super Eagles defence as preparations intensify for the continental showpiece, with camp set to open in Egypt on December 10.
No immediate reaction came from the Nigeria Football Federation, but the move marks the end of an era for one of the team’s most consistent performers in recent years.987e50
