Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has announced his retirement from international football at 36.
The Netherlands-born defender made the decision following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, set to hold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed the news on Thursday via his official X account.
“William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football and won’t play for Nigeria again,” Romano wrote. “After 83 caps, three medals and playing in five major tournaments, Troost-Ekong says goodbye to the Super Eagles.”
Troost-Ekong also shared a heartfelt message on X alongside a video, “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.”
Over the course of his international career, the central defender appeared in 83 matches for the Super Eagles, scoring eight goals.
His participation in major tournaments includes the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt in 2019, AFCON 2021 in Cameroon, and AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, where he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Troost-Ekong earned the AFCON bronze medal in 2019 after Nigeria defeated Tunisia 1-0 in the third-place play-off.
He later claimed the AFCON silver medal last year following Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
The former Watford and Udinese centre-back also represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the team did not advance past the group stage, and at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, winning bronze with the U-23 side.
Despite stepping away from playing, Troost-Ekong intends to accompany the Super Eagles to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco as a non-playing squad member, lending his support to the team.
