Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong announces retirement weeks before AFCON
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 32-year-old defender revealed his decision in an Instagram video posted on Thursday, stating, “Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football.” He added that his decade-long journey with the national team “ends here” as he moves on to the “next chapter.”
Ekong, born in the Netherlands, said he remains proud to have returned “home” to represent Nigeria, noting that it was an honour to be part of a generation that proved such a path was possible.
He also confirmed he is stepping aside from all responsibilities, including the team captaincy.
READ ALSO: NFF apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over Super Eagles’ World Cup failure
His announcement comes less than 48 hours after he was named in coach Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for the upcoming AFCON in Morocco, set to begin on December 21.
Ekong, who played for Dutch youth teams before pledging allegiance to Nigeria, made his senior debut in 2015 during an AFCON qualifier against Chad.
He featured at the 2018 World Cup and won bronze at the 2019 AFCON.
His standout performances came during the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where he scored three goals — including in the final — and was crowned Player of the Tournament, becoming one of the few defenders ever to win the award.
READ ALSO: Troost-Ekong: Super Eagles only want unpaid allowances cleared
Ekong retires with 83 caps and eight goals in an illustrious international career spanning ten years.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
