Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has officially announced his retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a remarkable decade of commitment, leadership and unforgettable moments with the Nigerian national team. The 32-year-old defender shared the news on Thursday through an emotional Instagram post, where he reflected on the journey that transformed him from a young hopeful in the Netherlands into one of Nigeria’s most respected and influential football leaders.
Troost-Ekong’s decision marks the end of an era for the Super Eagles, as he leaves behind a legacy defined by passion, consistency, national pride, and a deep connection with the green-and-white jersey. His announcement immediately sparked widespread tribute from fans, teammates and the global football community, all celebrating the contributions of a player who gave everything to the national cause.
The story of Troost-Ekong’s Nigeria career began in 2015, in a moment he describes as “life-changing.” A phone call from the late Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, fondly known as The Big Boss, opened the door to a new chapter. “In 2015 a phone call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life. A month later the Big Boss gave me my debut. His belief in me ignited a desire to follow in his footsteps,” he wrote. That early vote of confidence set the tone for what would become a journey of commitment and responsibility.
From the beginning, Troost-Ekong approached his role with humility and passion. But he admits that nothing prepared him for the honor of leading the Super Eagles—a responsibility he still considers beyond his dreams. “Every single time I have put on that iconic shirt to walk out onto the pitch, I have thought back to that moment. Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams.”
Though born and raised in the Netherlands, Troost-Ekong repeatedly expressed that representing Nigeria was an identity he grew into—a bond built from shared experience, culture, and national expectation. “Nigeria took me in and trusted me to lead and represent a nation of 230+ million. From a boy born and raised in the Netherlands to the Ovibo Wall and eventually Skippo is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”
Over ten years, Troost-Ekong accumulated 83 senior caps, featured in five major tournaments, won three medals, and broke several records. His résumé includes some of Nigeria’s biggest football moments of the last decade:
– Bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics,
– Participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia,
– Three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, earning bronze in Egypt and silver most recently in Côte d’Ivoire.
Those milestones, he said, represent dreams he never imagined would come true. “To have achieved 83 senior caps, played in five major tournaments, won three medals, and broken a few records – I have lived my dream.”
Troost-Ekong’s most exceptional moment came during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he delivered one of the greatest individual tournament performances by a Nigerian defender. Leading from the front, he scored crucial goals—including in the final—and ended the competition as the Player of the Tournament. That achievement also cemented him as the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history, a record he said he shares with every teammate who contributed to those moments.
Reflecting on the experience, he wrote: “Being able to lead Nigeria through the 2023 AFCON, scoring in the final and being named Player of the Tournament was something special. To this day I still wish for a different ending. 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.”
His message carried a strong sense of fulfilment and readiness to pass the torch to a new generation of Super Eagles. He acknowledged that he had given everything—physically, mentally and emotionally—to the national team. “I am at peace knowing that throughout all these milestones I gave everything I had. Not just for myself but to try to inspire the next generation the same way I was inspired by the legends I looked up to.”
Troost-Ekong highlighted the growing leadership among younger players and expressed confidence that the team is in good hands. “Watching them grow into leaders, time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity and pass on the captaincy. 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 continue to write their own story.”
Beyond football, he also addressed the significance of representing Nigeria as someone born in the diaspora. “Born in the diaspora I am so proud to be part of a group that fully showed it’s possible to come home to play and represent our nation.” He leaves behind a powerful example for young players of Nigerian descent across the world.
In his farewell message, Troost-Ekong expressed deep gratitude to everyone who shaped his journey: coaches, support staff, teammates past and present, and above all, the fans. “To every coach, member of staff and most importantly my teammates past and present who have been part of my international journey, thank you!”
“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.”
Despite his retirement from the Super Eagles, Troost-Ekong emphasised that his connection with Nigeria remains unwavering. “This isn’t a final goodbye. My work within Nigerian communities continues, just as my love and passion for this team will never fade.”
As he steps away from international football, William Troost-Ekong leaves behind a decade filled with courage, discipline, leadership, and iconic memories. His retirement marks the end of a golden chapter in Nigerian football—one defined not only by achievements, but by the character and dignity with which he wore the shirt.
For Nigeria and its football faithful, the Ovibo Wall will forever be remembered as a captain, a warrior, and a national symbol of resilience.
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