William Troost-Ekong has closed his chapter with the Super Eagles after ten years of unbroken commitment to Nigeria.
He announced his retirement from international football on 4 December 2025, saying it was the right moment to step aside for younger defenders revealing that his final appearance came during Nigeria’s narrow World Cup playoff loss to DR Congo.
The decision surprised some fans but reflected a quiet and thoughtful exit from a player who always carried himself with calm authority.
He made his debut in 2015 and grew into one of Nigeria’s most reliable defenders. He earned 83 caps and captained the national team from 2021.
Troost-Ekong represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning bronze in 2019 and silver in 2023. His consistency made him a model for younger defenders, and his calmness under pressure as captain was often praised by global football analysts, including reports from the CAF and FIFA.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) honoured him in a detailed statement, describing him as a dedicated, selfless, and humble leader. The federation said he served the nation with rare passion and carried the captain’s armband with dignity.
“He served with gusto, zeal and patriotic fervour, and he bestrode the pitch with passion, pride and purpose,” the NFF wrote through its media office.
It added that his discipline and ambition stood out even before he became captain, setting a standard for younger talents rising through the ranks.
NFF Salutes His Legacy Across AFCON and World Cup Battles
Beyond medals, Troost-Ekong shaped Nigeria’s most memorable tournament moments in recent years. The NFF highlighted his strong performances at the 2019, 2021, and 2023 AFCON tournaments, noting that his commitment never wavered regardless of the team’s form.
He scored vital goals for Nigeria, including crucial tournament strikes that lifted the team in tense moments. He was also named Man of the Competition at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire after scoring three important goals.
That award placed him among the most impactful defenders in modern African football.
He featured prominently in five major competitions and bowed out with pride, having given everything to the national team.
The federation said he leaves as a fulfilled man with a decade of memories Nigeria will not forget. “With 83 caps for his motherland across five competitions, he leaves the stage fulfilled,” the NFF stated.
International Retirement, Not Football Retirement
Troost-Ekong made it clear that his decision concerns only international football. He remains active at club level, continuing a career that has taken him to England, Italy, Turkey, and Greece.
He remains a full-time professional and is expected to continue competing at the highest level in Europe. His experience, discipline, and calm style of defence still attract interest across the leagues, according to trend observations by the Transfermarkt database and European sports analysts.
For many fans, the hope is that his club performances will inspire another generation of Nigerian defenders dreaming of the Super Eagles shirt.
The NFF said it will support him in his next steps within the global game. “We will do whatever we can to help him accomplish his future goals within the round-leather game,” the federation concluded.
His departure marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s defence but not the end of his personal football journey. His legacy remains one of leadership, and quiet excellence.
You can read the full story of the life, football and times of William Troost-Ekong here on our Person-of-The-Day category bloc.
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