Troost-Ekong retires from international football — weeks before AFCON

William Troost-Ekong, Super Eagles captain, has announced his retirement from international football. 

Ekong announced his decision to quit the Nigerian national team in an Instagram post on Thursday.

“Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football,” the 32-year-old said in a video.

Ekong said his Eagles journey “ends here” and his pivot to the “next chapter” begins.

The defender, who was born in the Netherlands, said he is proud to “be part of the group that showed that it is possible to come home to play and represent our beloved nation”.

“The time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity, to pass on the captaincy,” he said.

Ekong’s retirement comes less than 48 hours after he was listed in Eric Chelle’s 54-player squad for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will commence in Morocco from December 21.

Although he represented the Netherlands at the youth levels, Ekong opted to play for the Eagles and made his senior debut in 2015 during an AFCON qualifier against Chad.

He played for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and was named one of the team’s leaders in 2021. He won bronze with the team at the 2019 AFCON.

His finest hours with the Eagles were at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. He scored three goals, including a header in the final, as Nigeria finished with silver behind the host country.

Ekong was also named the competition’s best player — a rare honour for a defender.

He made 83 appearances for Nigeria throughout his decade-long spell and scored eight goals.