Nigeria’s Troost-Ekong announces retirement from international football ahead of AFCON 2025

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has confirmed his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an impressive decade with the Super Eagles.

The 32-year-old announced on Thursday, 4 December, just 16 days before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Although stepping away from active duty, Troost-Ekong is expected to travel with the squad for the tournament in a supportive, non-playing capacity.

Troost-Ekong earned his first cap in 2015 during an AFCON qualifier against Chad and went on to establish himself as a defensive leader for Nigeria. He represented the country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and became one of the most dependable figures in the national team setup.

His finest moment came earlier last year when he captained the Super Eagles to a runners-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player following a series of commanding performances.

Over the course of his international career, Troost-Ekong appeared in multiple major tournaments and helped elevate Nigeria’s defensive strength on the continental stage. His presence in camp during AFCON 2025 is expected to provide valuable motivation and guidance to a squad targeting a strong campaign in Morocco.

The Nigeria Football Federation is yet to announce who will take over the captaincy for the upcoming tournament.