In a move that has sent ripples through Nigerian football, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from the national team less than three weeks before the start of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision comes just after Nigeria’s heartbreaking exit from the 2026 World Cup playoffs — and has left fans and pundits reflecting on the end of an era.
A Storied Journey: From 2015 Debut to Team Anchor
Troost-Ekong’s international career began in 2015, when he made his competitive debut in an AFCON qualifier against Chad. From that first call-up, he quickly established himself as a defensive mainstay for the national setup.
It wasn’t long before he formed one half of the celebrated defensive duo nicknamed the “Oyibo Wall”, alongside Leon Balogun. That pairing became the bedrock of Nigeria’s defence, playing a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Over the years, Troost-Ekong’s consistent performances, leadership, and resilience turned him into one of Nigeria’s most reliable defenders.
2023 AFCON & Final Years — A High Note to Bow Out
The high point of his Nigeria career came at the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he captained the side to the final. His commanding presence and composure saw him awarded the tournament’s Most Valuable Player — even though the Super Eagles fell just short of lifting the trophy.
In the build-up to this retirement, there had already been hints of a changing of the guard. Young defender Benjamin Fredrick — just 19 at the time — had begun to earn regular call-ups and even featured ahead of Troost-Ekong in some key matches, under new coach Eric Chelle. The transition has been gradual, but Fredrick is increasingly seen as the natural heir to Nigeria’s defensive backbone.
Troost-Ekong leaves behind a legacy defined not only by defensive solidity but also by leadership, loyalty, and unflinching commitment to the green-white-green jersey. Over a decade of service, he became more than just a player — he was a captain, a mentor, and a symbol of pride for many young Nigerians.
Even in retirement from active play, sources say he will travel with the squad to AFCON 2025 — not as a player, but as a mentor, offering guidance and experience to a new generation.
With 10 years of service, participation in major tournaments, and countless battles fought in defence of his country’s colours — Troost-Ekong closes a remarkable chapter, leaving the door open for new talent and fresh hope.
With Troost-Ekong’s exit, leadership and defensive responsibilities are now likely to fall on new shoulders. Meanwhile, former midfield stalwart Wilfred Ndidi has emerged as a strong candidate to assume captaincy for AFCON 2025.
The coming weeks will test how well the Super Eagles adapt to this transition, and whether the next generation can live up to the standards set by Troost-Ekong and his generation.
