Super Eagles Captain Bows Out with 83 Caps, Legacy of Leadership, and Heartfelt Tributes.

William Troost-Ekong

William Troost-Ekong has been lauded by Super Eagles teammates and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following his retirement from international football, announced via an emotional social media video on Thursday, mere two weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Sportblits.com reports.

The 32-year-old defender, who ended days of speculation after Nigeria’s heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup play-offs, reflected on a decade of service that began with a late call-up from the legendary Stephen Keshi in 2015.

“Today, I’m announcing my retirement from international football. In 2015, a late call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life. A month later, the Big Boss gave me my debut. His belief in me ignited the desire to follow his footsteps,” Troost-Ekong said.

“Every single time I put on the iconic shirt to walk out onto the pitch, I have thought about that exact moment. Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams.”

A Cherished Legacy: Medals, Records, and Inspiration

Troost-Ekong amassed 83 caps, eight goals, and five major tournaments, including bronze at AFCON 2019 and a runners-up finish at AFCON 2023, where he scored three times, including a header in the final, and earned Player of the Tournament honors as a defender.

“To have achieved 83 senior caps, played in five major tournaments, three medals, and broken a few records, I really lived my dreams,” he added, expressing gratitude to fans, coaches, and teammates.

Stepping aside with peace of mind, he passed the torch:

“The time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity, to pass on the captaincy. I am so proud to be part of a group that fully showed it is possible to come home, to play and represent our beloved nation.”

Despite his inclusion in Eric Chelle’s provisional 54-man AFCON squad, trimming to 28 soon, he chose to retire, clarifying it’s “not a final goodbye” but a shift to mentorship.

Tributes Pour In: From Teammates to CAF

The football world rallied with admiration. Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers hailed him a “Legend”; Nottingham Forest‘s Ola Aina called him “My champion!!!”; Atalanta‘s Ademola Lookman dubbed him a “Leader”; and Napoli‘s Victor Osimhen celebrated his “greatness” and “achievements“.

CAF’s poignant X post captured the sentiment:

“Legends remain, in their time and long after it. William Troost-Ekong. It’s been a pleasure, captain.”

Forward Without a Titan

Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, Troost-Ekong rejected youth calls for the Oranje to embrace the Super Eagles, debuting in a 2015 AFCON qualifier against Chad and anchoring the 2018 World Cup defense.

Now in Group C with Uganda, Tunisia, and Tanzania, Nigeria enters AFCON sans their “Oyibo Wall“, a symbol of resilience, but buoyed by his enduring spirit. As he told The Athletic: “We have enough young players, great talents and other leaders… I’m at peace with it.”

Troost-Ekong’s exit closes a chapter, but his legacy, as captain, record-breaking defender, and inspiration, ensures the Super Eagles soar on.