Nigeria’s football legend, William Troost-Ekong, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable decade-long career with the Super Eagles.
The 32-year-old defender, who currently plays for Al-Kholood in Saudi Arabia, made the announcement on Thursday via an Instagram post.
“Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football,” Troost-Ekong said in a video message. He expressed pride in being part of a group that showed it’s possible for diaspora players to represent Nigeria with distinction.
“The time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity, to pass on the captaincy,” he added.
Troost-Ekong’s retirement comes as a surprise, especially since he was included in Eric Chelle’s 54-player squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
He made his senior debut for Nigeria in 2015 and went on to feature in five major tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup in Russia and three AFCON campaigns.
The defender’s finest moment with the Eagles was at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where he scored three goals, including a header in the final.
He was named the competition’s best player, capping his career with 83 appearances and eight goals for Nigeria.
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