…CAF, NFF, teammates hail Troost-Ekong after international retirement
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and several current and former Super Eagles players, including Leon Balogun, Carl Ikeme, and Wilfred Ndidi, have all paid glowing tributes to former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong following his retirement from international football.
Troost-Ekong, who spent a decade representing Nigeria, announced on Thursday that he was stepping away from the national team with immediate effect. This decision rules him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicking off later this month in Morocco.
Since making his debut in Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Chad in 2015, Troost-Ekong amassed 83 caps for the Super Eagles and six for the U-23s. His distinguished career saw him feature in three AFCON tournaments, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where he helped Nigeria win bronze.
Most memorably, he captained the Super Eagles to the final of the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast, delivering outstanding performances even while playing through injury – a run that earned him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
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Tributes have continued to pour in for the Al-Kholood captain, who now begins a new chapter outside international football, which will see him focus more on club football, his family, foundation and other projects.
CAF, in a post on social media, wrote: “Legends remain, in their time and long after it. William Troost-Ekong. It’s been a pleasure, captain.”
The NFF described the 32-year-old as a selfless and passionate leader in a tribute message released on Friday.
Part of the federation’s statement read: “After a dispassionate evaluation of his 10-year stewardship with the Senior National Team, the NFF wishes to eulogise William Troost-Ekong following his announcement of immediate retirement from international football.
“Captain Troost-Ekong was a dedicated, selfless and humble leader of the Super Eagles. He served with gusto, zeal and patriotic fervour and bestrode the pitch with passion, pride, purpose and a commendable sense of duty.
“Even before he became captain, Troost-Ekong was pleasant, disciplined and ambitious, wearing the green and white with joy, zest and focus. In the same vein, his 83 caps for Motherland across five competitions means he is leaving the stage a fulfilled man, and can reflect on his decade-long stewardship with so much pride and sense of accomplishment.
“His service delivery at the AFCON finals in 2019, 2021 and 2023 is a marker for younger players. His silver and bronze medals are mere drops in a fabulous journey that also saw him play at the FIFA World Cup finals and score key goals for Nigeria.”
Former teammates also shared emotional tributes, including his long-time centre-back partner Leon Balogun, with whom he formed the iconic “Oyinbo Wall”.
Balogun wrote on X: “Congrats on your legacy, my brother – super proud of the inspiration, the man and the player you have become! It’s been EPIC.”
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme added on Instagram: “Unbelievable servant and even better human!! Congratulations for all that you have achieved.”
Other national teammates – including Wilfred Ndidi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Semi Ajayi, Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Peter Olayinka, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey – also sent in their well-wishes.
Tributes also came from the women’s national team, led by Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who wrote.
“Captain, legend, and great leader. Thank you for everything you’ve dedicated to the Super Eagles and the nation. I wish you nothing but the absolute best in your next chapter – may it bring you as much success and fulfilment as your playing career.”
Ex-Super Falcons forward Desire Oparanozie and midfielder Christy Ucheibe also praised Troost-Ekong for an exceptional international career.
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