William Troost-Ekong Announces Retirement from Super Eagles, Ending Illustrious Decade of Service

Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong has declared his retirement from international football, concluding a ten-year career with the Super Eagles shortly before the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco.

The 31-year-old defender shared an emotional statement confirming that his final match for Nigeria was the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff loss to DR Congo, which dashed the country’s hopes of reaching the tournament.

In a social media post, Troost-Ekong reflected on a journey marked by leadership and steadfast dedication. “Each time I wore that iconic shirt, I remembered my debut given by Stephen Keshi,” he wrote. “Nigeria embraced me and entrusted me to represent over 230 million people. I have lived my dream.”

Since his competitive debut in 2015, Troost-Ekong became a pillar of Nigeria’s defense. His formidable central partnership with Leon Balogun, known as the “Oyibo Wall,” anchored the team that qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and featured in multiple AFCON tournaments.

Among his achievements are three major medals: bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2019 AFCON, followed by his crowning moment at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. There, he led Nigeria to the final, was named Player of the Tournament, and scored in the title match—cementing one of the most celebrated campaigns by a Nigerian defender.

“To earn 83 caps, compete in five major tournaments, and captain my country has surpassed my wildest dreams,” he stated. “In tough times, we unite, persevere, and rise above.”

Troost-Ekong expressed contentment with his decision and hopes his path will motivate future Super Eagles. “Playing alongside my teammates and building something special has been joyful. Now, it’s the next generation’s turn to write their own story.”

He emphasized that his retirement is not a permanent farewell, noting he will stay engaged with Nigerian football in an unspecified capacity.

Addressing the fans, he added: “To the Nigerian supporters—the soul of our game—your energy lifted me through every triumph and trial. Wearing the Super Eagles shirt was more than football; it was a duty, a privilege, and an honor.”

His departure closes a significant chapter for Nigerian football—a decade in which Troost-Ekong evolved into not just a captain, but an emblem of pride, resilience, and national unity.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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