Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Ends International Career Before AFCON

The captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has announced his immediate retirement from international football, a decision that comes as a major shock just a few weeks before the commencement of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Dependable NG reports that the defender, on Thursday, posted an emotional video on social media to confirm his decision, tagging it with the message:

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

Troost-Ekong’s decision to step down is particularly surprising given that he was recently included in coach Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for the upcoming tournament in Morocco.

The 32-year-old retires after a distinguished decade-long career in which he earned 83 caps for the Super Eagles and featured in five major tournaments. A major highlight of his career was leading the team to the final of the 2023 AFCON, where he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).