William Troost-Ekong, the captain of Nigeria’s international men’s team, Super Eagles, on Thursday announced his retirement from international football.
In a statement posted on his Instagram Story, the 32-year-old said captaining the Super Eagles was beyond his wildest dreams.
He reflected on his call-up to the team by late Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, whom he said gave him his debut.
Troost-Ekong, who plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Kholood said Keshi’s belief inspired him and ignited a desire to follow.
“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.
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“Nigeria took me in and trusted me to lead and represent a nation of 230+ million people. 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”, he said.
The former Watford player added that he had lived his dream of achieving 83 senior caps, played in five major tournaments, won three medals, and broken a few records.
He also said he’s at peace knowing that he gave everything he had to the Super Eagles.
Troost-Ekong noted, “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. 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, a silver medal will remain unforgettable.
“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 honour I share with every teammate who was part of those moments.”
He added that the 2023 AFCON tournament taught him what it truly means to be Nigerian.
According to him, in adversity, the citizens come together, hustle, fight through the pain and rise.
The former Udinese player noted that playing for the team and alongside other players has been fun.
He also reflected on building something great together, watching the team grow into leaders.
“The time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity, and to pass on the captaincy. As a custodian of an iconic shirt, I’ve always known it was only borrowed. Now it is 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 is 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!”
Troost-Ekong further appreciated the fans for their support, which he said carried him through every high and every challenge.
He promised to stand with the fans just as they 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 honour”, said Troost-Ekong.
The Port City News (TCPN) reported that the player made the provisioning list for the forthcoming AFCON released by head coach Eric Chelle.
