The captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has announced his retirement from international football, stating that he has lived his dream.
Ekong, 32, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, recounting his 10-year stint with Nigeria’s senior men’s national team following his debut against Chad in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in 2015.
His words: “Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football. 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 have put on that iconic shirt to walk out onto the pitch, I have thought back to that moment. Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams. Nigeria took me in and trusted me to lead and represent a nation of 230 plus million. From a boy born and raised in the Netherlands to the Oyibo Wall and eventually skippo is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.
“To have achieved 83 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 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments with a bronze and most recently silver medal will remain unforgettable.”
Ekong acknowledged that being able to lead Nigeria during the 2023 AFCON, score in the final, and be named Player of the Tournament was something truly special. “To this day, I still wish for a different ending, becoming the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history is an honour I share with every teammate who was a part of those moments.
“That tournament taught 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 throughout all these milestones 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.”
The defender also admitted that it has been enjoyable playing alongside his Nigerian teammates and building something great together. He said that as he has watched them grow into leaders, the time has now come to pass on the responsibility, the opportunity, and the captaincy.
He continued: “As a custodian of an iconic shirt, I’ve always known it was only borrowed. Now it’s the turn of the next generation to continue to write 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!”
While describing Nigerian fans as the heartbeat of Nigerian football, he affirmed that their support has carried him 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,” he assured.
He further revealed that the last decade has been filled with commitment, pride, and unforgettable memories, adding that wearing the Super Eagles shirt has been more than just playing football — it has been a duty, a privilege, and an honour.
