Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has penned an emotional farewell to Nigerian fans, teammates, coaches, and the football community after announcing his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a decade-long career with the national team.
The Al-Kholood skipper announced on Thursday, noting that representing Nigeria and creating lasting memories with the Super Eagles had been one of the greatest honours of his life.
“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 said in a social media post.
Troost-Ekong made his Super Eagles debut in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad under the late head coach Stephen Keshi, playing the full 90 minutes. Since then, he has gone on to earn 83 caps, featuring at three AFCON tournaments, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the Rio 2016 Olympics, where he helped Nigeria win bronze.
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In his farewell letter, the former Udinese and Watford defender emphasized that although his international journey has ended, his support for the national team will remain unwavering.
“Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football,” reads Troost-Ekong’s emotional farewell letter.
“In 2015, a phone call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life. A month later, the big boss gave me my debut. His belief in me ignited a desire to follow in his footsteps.
“Every single time I’ve put on that iconic shirt to walk out onto the pitch, I’ve thought back to that moment. Going on to become Captain of the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams. Nigeria took me in and trusted me to lead and represent a nation of over 230 million. From a boy born and raised in the Netherlands to the Oybibo Wall and possibly Skippo is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.
“To have achieved 83 senior caps, played in five major tournaments, won three medals, and broken a few records—I have lived my dream
“A bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, followed by playing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and three incredible AFCON tournaments with a bronze and most recently silver medal will remain unforgivable
“Being able to lead Nigeria through the 2023 AFCON, scoring in the final, and being named Player of the Tournament was something special. To this day, I still wish for a different ending. Becoming the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history is an honor I share with every teammate who was part of those moments. That tournament suited me what it truly means to be Nigerian; that in adversity, we come together, we hustle, we fight through the pain, and we rise
“I am at peace, knowing that through all these miles I gave everything I had. Not just for myself, but to try to inspire the next generation the same way I was inspired by the legends I looked up to, and had the pleasure to fight shoulder to shoulder with.
“It has been fun to play alongside my Nigerian teammates, building something great together. Watching them grow into leaders, the time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity, and pass on the captaincy. As a custodian of an iconic shirt, I’ve always known it was only passed on. Now it’s the turn of the next generation to continue writing their own story.
Born in the Diaspora, I am so proud to be part of a group that fully showed it’s possible to come home to play and represent our nation
“None of this would have been possible without the people around me. To every coach, member of staff, and most importantly, my teammates, past and present who have been part of my international journey, thank you!
“To the Nigerian fans—the heartbeat of Nigerian football. Your support has carried me through every high and every challenge. I will stand with you as you stood with me.
“This isn’t a final goodbye. My work within Nigerian communities continues, just as my love and passion for this team will never fade.
“The last decade has been filled with commitment, pride, and unforgettable memories
“Wearing the Super Eagles shirt has been more than playing football. It has been a duty, a privilege, and an honor…. William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N.)”
Despite the outpouring of tributes, some fans believe the timing of his retirement is premature, especially with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations just weeks away and the Super Eagles currently battling an injury crisis in defence. Troost-Ekong had been included in Eric Chelle’s 55-man provisional list for the tournament.
The 32-year-old was named Most Valuable Player at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where he led Nigeria to the final and scored in the 2-1 defeat to the hosts.
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