Super Eagles captain William Troost Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, ending a decorated decade representing Nigeria.
The 32 year old confirmed his decision in an Instagram story on Thursday, saying: “Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football.”
Reflecting on the moment his Nigeria career began, he said: “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 said leading the Super Eagles surpassed 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.”
He expressed pride in representing a country he grew to call home. “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.”
Summarising his achievements, he said: “To have achieved 83 senior caps, played in five major tournaments, won three medals, and broken a few records – I have lived my dream.”
He highlighted his tournament successes. “A bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, followed by playing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and three incredible AFCON tournaments with a bronze and most recently silver medal will remain unforgettable.”
Troost Ekong said the recent AFCON, where he excelled, shaped his understanding of Nigerian resilience.
“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. Becoming the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history is an honor I share with every teammate who was a part of those moments. 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.”
He said he feels fulfilled as he exits the stage. “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, and had the pleasure to fight shoulder to shoulder with.”
Passing on leadership, he added: “It has been fun to play alongside my Nigerian teammates, building something great together. 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.”
He emphasised the importance of diasporan representation. “Born in the diaspora I am so proud to be part of a group that fully showed its possible to come home to play and represent our nation.”
Troost Ekong thanked all who contributed to his journey. “None of this would have been possible without the people around me. To every coach, member of staff and most importantly my teammates past and present who have been part of my international journey, thank you!”
He also paid tribute to fans. “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.”
He stressed his connection with Nigeria remains strong. “This isn’t a final goodbye. My work within Nigerian communities continues, just as my love and passion for this team will never fade.”
He concluded: “The last decade has been filled with commitment, pride, and unforgettable memories. Wearing the Super Eagles shirt has been more than playing football. It has been a duty, a privilege, and an honour.”
Troost Ekong retires having played at the Rio Olympics, 2018 World Cup and three AFCON tournaments, including a standout performance in Côte d’Ivoire where he was named best player.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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