Abuja, Nigeria – December 4, 2025 – In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international duty on Thursday, drawing the curtain on a storied 10-year career with the national team just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco. The 32-year-old defender, born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, shared an emotional video and statement on his X account, reflecting on a journey marked by resilience, medals, and unbreakable commitment to the green and white.
"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," Ekong wrote in his post, which quickly garnered over 35,000 likes and thousands of tributes from fans, teammates, and pundits. The announcement, made less than 48 hours after his inclusion in coach Eric Chelle's 54-player provisional squad for AFCON 2025, confirms weeks of speculation about his future, particularly following Nigeria's heartbreaking penalty-shootout loss to DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs last month. That defeat, which dashed Super Eagles' hopes of a return to the global stage, marked Ekong's final appearance in the national jersey, a poignant capstone to his international legacy.
Ekong's path to the Super Eagles was anything but straightforward. Having represented the Netherlands at youth levels, including the U-21 side, he chose to embrace his Nigerian heritage in 2015, debuting under the late legendary coach Stephen Keshi in a 2-0 AFCON qualifier victory over Chad. "Stephen Keshi changed my life," Ekong later reflected in his retirement statement, crediting the Big Boss for spotting his potential and opening the door to a nation that would become his footballing home. Over the next decade, he amassed 83 caps, scoring eight goals – a remarkable tally for a center-back – and establishing himself as the defensive bedrock of one of Africa's most storied teams.
His trophy cabinet with Nigeria gleams with achievement. Ekong claimed bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics, anchoring the U-23 side's run to the semifinals. He featured prominently at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the Super Eagles advanced to the Round of 16 before a narrow defeat to Argentina. AFCON editions in 2019 (Egypt, bronze medal) and 2023 (Côte d'Ivoire, runners-up) further burnished his credentials, with the latter tournament etching his name in history. In the 2023 final against hosts Côte d'Ivoire, Ekong scored Nigeria's lone goal in a 2-1 loss, earning him the Player of the Tournament award and the distinction of being the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history. Appointed captain in 2021, succeeding Ahmed Musa, he became a symbol of leadership, often mentoring younger stars like Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi.
Club football has been equally nomadic and successful for Ekong, whose career trajectory mirrors his international tenacity. After rising through FC Groningen's academy in the Netherlands, he moved to Gent in Belgium in 2015, where he won the Belgian Cup. Stints at Bursaspor (Turkey), Udinese (Italy), and Watford (England) followed, honing his aerial prowess and tactical acumen. In 2023, he joined PAOK in Greece, helping secure the Greek Super League title, before signing with Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood in 2024, where he continues to thrive as a defensive linchpin. At Al-Kholood, Ekong has balanced club demands with national team calls, but recent reports suggested fatigue and the emergence of promising talents like 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick influenced his decision to step aside.
The timing of Ekong's retirement – just 17 days before Nigeria's AFCON opener against Tanzania on December 23 – has sparked debate among fans and analysts. While some view it as a selfless act to make way for fresh legs in a grueling tournament, others lament the loss of a proven leader at a critical juncture. "This is not a final goodbye," Ekong emphasized, pledging continued involvement through his Troost-Ekong Foundation, which supports Nigerian youth in sports and education. "My work within Nigerian communities continues... and my support, love, and passion for the team will never fade." He expressed peace with the choice, stating it allows the "next generation to continue and write their own story."
Tributes poured in swiftly on social media, underscoring Ekong's impact. Victor Osimhen, the Napoli striker and Super Eagles talisman, posted a heartfelt message: "Skippo, you are a legend. Thank you for everything you've done for us and the nation. Forever grateful." Enyimba forward Edidiong Ezekiel echoed the sentiment: "You are a legend, brother. Your leadership inspired us all." Fans on X were equally effusive, with one user noting, "83 caps, 3 medals, 5 major tournaments – a true warrior. Thank you, Ekong 💚." Another called for Osimhen to inherit the armband, praising Ekong's role in "breaking the cycle of underachievement."
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a statement hailing Ekong as "a pillar of the Super Eagles and a proud ambassador for Nigerian football." National team administrator Dayo Enebi Achor confirmed his exclusion from the final 26-man AFCON squad, to be announced next week, and opened discussions on succession. Potential captains include Ndidi for his midfield tenacity and Osimhen for his goal-scoring prowess and popularity. Coach Chelle, in a brief comment, described Ekong's departure as "bittersweet" but necessary for team evolution.
Ekong's exit comes at a transitional moment for the Super Eagles, who enter AFCON 2025 as three-time champions but under pressure to reclaim glory after the World Cup heartbreak. Grouped with Tanzania, Algeria, and hosts Morocco, Nigeria aims to end a nine-year title drought. Analysts point to Ekong's void in leadership but highlight strengths in a squad blending veterans like Uzoho and Iheanacho with rising stars such as Lookman and Orban.
Beyond the pitch, Ekong's story resonates as a diaspora success tale. "I proved that members of the diaspora could return home and represent Nigeria with distinction," he noted, inspiring a new wave of dual-heritage talents. As he shifts focus to club duties and philanthropy, Ekong leaves a blueprint for future Eagles: duty, privilege, honor.
The football world watches as Nigeria navigates this era's end. For Ekong, the pitch may quiet, but his echo in Nigerian hearts endures. "It has been fun to play alongside my Nigerian teammates, building something great together," he concluded. Here's to the next chapter – for him, and for the Super Eagles.
