Super Eagles Legend Reflects on Retirement, World Cup Heartbreak, and Nigeria’s Future.

William Troost-Ekong

William Troost-Ekong has opened up on his emotional retirement from international football, the unfulfilled dream of lifting the Africa Cup of Nations, and his vision for Nigerian football’s next chapter in a candid interview with The Standard, as featured by Peter Akinbo, Sportblits.com reports.

Beyond His Wildest Dreams

“I would dream big, bigger than other people believed in me or thought was possible. But to go in this direction with Nigeria, and be part of everything I have, I would not have been able to write it down. I’ve managed to live beyond my wildest dreams.”

The 83-cap defender, who captained Nigeria to AFCON 2023 silver, reflected on his journey from Dutch youth ranks to leading the Super Eagles, a script even he couldn’t have imagined.

The Final Whistle: DR Congo Heartbreak

His last match, a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup play-off, was a blur of emotion.

“You always want things to end perfectly. It’s hard when you are watching the last minutes of the game. It felt like a blur. I remember sitting there and absorbing those last minutes, because you know that could be it. To have that in a penalty shootout, my heart was pounding like crazy. It was heartbreaking, but at the same time, I felt really proud in that moment of everything we had achieved. To be there, as captain, was something I could not have dreamt of as a young kid.”

The Toughest Decision

Retirement wasn’t rushed. Sleepless nights, teammate pleas, and deep reflection preceded the call.

“It was a decision I had been grappling with for a while. I had sleepless nights thinking about it, and teammates even tried to talk me out of it. But I think there is a natural progression, and there is an art in knowing when to step away. Now is the moment for the next generation to claim that. The team is ready because we’ve got great leaders.”

Dreams Deferred

“Selfishly, I would have loved to lift the Africa Cup of Nations and play at one more World Cup.”

Yet, the legacy that brings him joy? Inspiring the next wave.

“The thing that has given me the most joy now is I get messages from young boys saying they want to play for the Super Eagles. They say they look up to me. Those are things you don’t start playing football for, but once they happen, they give you a real sense of pride.”

Diaspora Strength and NFF Reform

With Ademola Lookman crowned African Player of the Year, Troost-Ekong sees diaspora talent as Nigeria’s superpower.

“There has never been a lack of talent. Ademola Lookman went on to be African Player of the Year; that is something. There are boys coming from London, Berlin, Amsterdam and all over Europe. They’re coming home to represent Nigeria, and that is only going to strengthen Nigerian football. That is something that can be built on, and it needs to be explored.”

But he’s clear: structural change is urgent.

“There is no shortage of talent, but things in the organisation can and need to be better. The talent needs to be discovered and nurtured. I’d love to help improve that moving forward. I think especially the players who have been in elite environments have a responsibility to show what needs to be done.”

Watching AFCON 2025 as a Fan

“I will be just as passionate, but probably a lot more nervous. Because when you are not playing, you can’t affect anything. It’s going to be really strange. I’m probably going to be screaming at my TV! But I’ll be proud seeing the players out there, and I really hope they win it. That would be a nice moment to crown our generation. I’d still feel part of that.”

Forever a Super Eagle

“Nigerian football is so close to my heart. It will always be a part of me.”

From captain to mentor, Troost-Ekong’s green jersey may be retired, but his passion for Nigeria burns brighter than ever.