William Troost‑Ekong Calls Time on International Career

William Troost‑Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, drawing a curtain on a decade-long spell with Super Eagles after 83 caps.

Posting on his X account on Thursday, he wrote: “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.”

Though once capped by the Netherlands at youth level, Troost-Ekong opted to represent Nigeria and made his senior debut on 13 June 2015 in an AFCON qualifier against Chad. He went on to star in some of Nigeria’s most important tournaments — from the 2016 Olympic bronze, through the 2018 World Cup, multiple Africa Cup of Nations campaigns, and the 2023 AFCON where he delivered a standout performance.

Notably, his five goals at AFCON make him the highest-scoring defender in the history of the competition. With his retirement, Nigeria lose not just a defender — but a leader, a symbol, and one of its most consistent performers over the last decade.

Editorial

Troost-Ekong’s decision to step away from the national setup should not be viewed as merely the end of a playing career — but as the closing chapter of a generational saga. Few players have embodied the rebirth of Nigerian football quite like him: from a young Dutch-born prospect to the heart of the Super Eagles’ defence, he carried his heritage with pride and purpose.

It was under the late Stephen Keshi that he first pulled on that revered green shirt a phone call in 2015 that would forever change the trajectory of his life.  Over the ensuing decade, he shouldered burden after burden the weight of expectation, the pressure of playoffs, the challenge of leading a diverse squad into global tournaments. He rarely flinched.

On the pitch, Troost-Ekong was unshowy but indispensable a defender whose value was not in flamboyant flair but in silent authority, positioning, composure under pressure and quiet leadership. His five goals at the AFCON may grab the headlines, but it was in the dogged blocks, the last-ditch interventions, the calm after chaos where he truly mattered.

But beyond his on-field contributions lies something deeper: a story that speaks to identity, belonging and national pride. In Troost-Ekong, Nigeria had a player who, despite being raised overseas, chose his ancestral home with conviction a leader who carried the weight of 230 million expectations with dignity a figure who helped erase the old divide between diaspora-born talents and home-based stars, showing that commitment to country transcends childhood address.

As the nation prepares for the upcoming AFCON without him, questions loom. Who will fill the leadership void? Who will marshal the defence with the same calm authority? More than that who will carry the torch of national unity that Troost-Ekong bore with such quiet dignity?

Yet perhaps that is the point  he stepped away not in retreat but in trust. Trust that the next generation will rise, trust that Nigeria’s football story continues beyond any one man’s tenure. And in that decision lies his final mark passing on the iconic green shirt, and inviting others to write the next chapter.

In a world starved of loyal servants, Troost-Ekong leaves behind a blueprint. Not for headlines, but for honour.

Did You Know?

1. Troost-Ekong’s first call-up to Nigeria coincided with the reign of Stephen Keshi, a national icon who famously blended domestic and diaspora talent making Ekong’s decision a symbolic nod to Keshi’s inclusive vision.
2. Despite being a centre-back, Troost-Ekong’s record of five AFCON goals surpasses many strikers — a remarkable feat given the defensive demands of his position.
3. When he made his Super Eagles debut in June 2015, the Nigeria team were in the early stages of rebuilding after missing the 2014 World Cup  Troost-Ekong became part of a generation that helped reestablish Nigeria as a continental force.
4. He played alongside the veteran Leon Balogun in the famed “Oyibo Wall”  a central defensive partnership that became foundational for Nigeria’s defence over multiple tournaments.
5. By retiring now, Troost-Ekong avoids the risk of being phased out during future squad rotations while preserving his legacy leaving the national team at a time of his own making, rather than being forced out by decline or circumstance.