Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed sadness over the international retirement of captain William Troost-Ekong, describing the defender as a crucial figure in Nigeria’s dressing room, Bold Sports reports.
Troost-Ekong announced his decision on Thursday, ending an illustrious 10-year career with the national team. His retirement effectively rules him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite being included in Eric Chelle’s provisional 54-man squad.
It means that the 32-year-old who 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, will now miss the 2025 AFCON, with the Super Eagles battling an injury crisis in defense and desperate to atone for their World Cup miss.
Reacting to the news, Iwobi told SportyTV that the defender’s absence will be deeply felt within the squad.
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“It’s obviously a sad one for us because he’s a big part of our team,” Iwobi said. “At the end of the day I wish him well, he’s a brother, he has helped out Nigeria, he has helped out me. I hope that the next chapter he has in his life, it goes well for him and we’ll all support him.”
Iwobi highlighted Troost-Ekong’s leadership and influence even during periods when he was not getting regular playing time.
“Towards the end of his Nigeria career he wasn’t playing as much as he would like but he was still a big part of our team. His voice, the way he was leading us, the way he made sure the togetherness in the team was very high and very strong. He’ll be very missed, he was a big leader for us. I’m sure we have other leaders that can follow in his footsteps. We all wish him well.”
With 91 appearances for Nigeria, Iwobi is now one of the most experienced players in the current squad and is seen as one of the figures who may help fill the leadership void as the AFCON approaches.
“Of course, God willing if I stay fit, I’ll be there, I’ll be representing at the AFCON and we’ll be fine for Nigeria,” he added. “I’m not sure he can be there (Morocco), but he’ll be there with us in the spirit for sure.”
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