Super Eagles Captain Bids Emotional Farewell After 83 Caps and Historic Legacy.

William Troost-Ekong

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, capping a 10-year tenure with the Super Eagles that included 83 caps, three medals, and five major tournaments, Sportblits.com reports.

The Al-Kholood defender, born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, shared an emotional statement on Instagram on Thursday, mere minutes after transfer guru Fabrizio Romano broke the news on X:

“William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football and won’t play for Nigeria again. After 83 caps, 3 medals and playing in 5 major tournaments, Troost-Ekong says goodbye to the Super Eagles,” Romano posted.

In his heartfelt post, Ekong reflected on the profound honor of representing his father’s homeland:

“Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. 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.”

A Defender’s Goal-Scoring Legacy

After youth stints with the Netherlands, Ekong pledged his senior career to Nigeria, debuting on June 13, 2015, in an AFCON qualifier against Chad. His eight international goals—including a record five at AFCON, the most by any defender in the competition’s history—cement his place in Super Eagles lore.

His final appearance came as a late substitute against Gabon on November 13, amid a waning role under head coach Eric Chelle. Ekong had slipped behind Benjamin Fredrick in the defensive hierarchy and sat unused during the World Cup play-off loss to DR Congo, which dashed Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

Timing Amid AFCON Preparations

Despite his diminished minutes, Ekong earned a spot in Nigeria’s provisional 54-man AFCON squad for the December 21 kickoff in Morocco. The list will soon shrink to 28 players, with camp opening in Egypt on December 10.

This retirement leaves Chelle without one of his most seasoned leaders as the Super Eagles chase continental glory in Group A against Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia.

Ekong’s departure marks the end of an era for Nigerian football—a towering figure whose unbroken scoring record and unwavering commitment will inspire the next generation. Though off the pitch, his eternal allegiance to the green eagles endures.