Nigeria’s vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has officially called time on his international career, bringing to an end a decade-long journey with the Super Eagles.
The 30-year-old defender confirmed his retirement on Thursday in an emotional message shared on Instagram.
Troost-Ekong described representing Nigeria as the “greatest privilege” of his life, expressing deep gratitude to fans, teammates, and the nation.
“Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle,” he wrote. “Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”
His announcement came shortly after prominent football journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed the development on X, noting that Troost-Ekong was bowing out after 83 caps, eight goals, three medals, and five major tournament appearances.
Troost-Ekong, who currently plays for Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father.
After representing the Netherlands at youth level, he committed his senior career to Nigeria and made his debut on June 13, 2015, in an AFCON qualifier against Chad.
A key figure in several Super Eagles campaigns, Troost-Ekong leaves behind a remarkable legacy, including the record for the most goals scored by a defender in AFCON history—five in total. His final appearance for Nigeria came on November 13, when he featured late in a friendly against Gabon.
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In recent months, the former Watford and Udinese man has seen his role diminish under head coach Eric Chelle, falling behind rising star Benjamin Fredrick in the defensive hierarchy.
He was unused in the World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo, which sealed Nigeria’s absence from the upcoming World Cup.
Although named in Nigeria’s provisional 54-man squad for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, his retirement means Chelle will proceed without one of the team’s most experienced leaders as preparations intensify.
The squad is scheduled to begin camp in Egypt on December 10 ahead of the tournament kickoff on December 21.
Troost-Ekong’s departure marks the end of an era for the Super Eagles, leaving a leadership gap both on and off the pitch.