William Troost-Ekong has confirmed he will no longer play for the Super Eagles, bringing an end to a decade-long international career that included 83 appearances, three medals and participation in five major tournaments. The announcement by William Troost-Ekong on his X account, in an emotional post and video, arrives days before Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign and follows a turbulent period for the national team.
In his statement, the 31-year-old centre-back reflected on the pride of wearing the Nigerian shirt and thanked teammates, coaches and supporters who have been part of his journey. He singled out Stephen Keshi, who gave him his debut in 2015, as a pivotal figure in his international life and promised his support for the team going forward, even if not on the pitch.
William Troost-Ekong’s final appearance for Nigeria came in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a painful end to Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 tournament.
Career highlights and legacy
He leaves international football with 83 caps and 7 goals for Nigeria.
Across his decade with the national team he played at five major tournaments and collected three medals, including the 2023 AFCON where he was named Player of the Tournament.
William Troost-Ekong was widely regarded as a steadying presence in the dressing room, serving as a leader during periods of transition and helping younger players adapt to the squad.
The Nigeria Football Federation paid tribute to William Troost-Ekong, praising him as a dedicated, selfless and humble leader and thanking him for his service to the national team. The statement acknowledged his importance during both the team’s highs and its most difficult moments.
Journalists like Colin Udoh described William Troost‑Ekong’s retirement as “a huge blow for the Super Eagles ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.” At the same time, former Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi added that the squad will “miss a big leader,” showcasing his influence both on and off the pitch.
William Troost-Ekong’s decision follows a turbulent period for the team, including disputes over player bonuses and the disappointing World Cup playoff loss to DR Congo. Although the squad later resolved its internal issues, Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup left the camp unsettled, and many believe this contributed to his decision to step away.
Coach Éric Chelle and his staff must now replace both William Troost-Ekong’s defensive qualities and his leadership. Younger options are expected to be brought into greater focus as the team reshapes itself ahead of the next major tournament.
Beyond football, William Troost-Ekong has grown his profile through philanthropic work and community initiatives. His foundation and public engagements are expected to take on greater prominence as he transitions away from international duty.
