William Troost-Ekong has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a decade-long career with Nigeria just two weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco.

The 32-year-old defender confirmed the decision in an emotional video posted on social media on Thursday, ending days of speculation that followed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

The Super Eagles were eliminated after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the playoffs, following a 1-1 draw in regular time in November.

Troost-Ekong, who made his debut for Nigeria in 2015 under the late Stephen Keshi, reflected on his journey with the national team, describing it as the “greatest privilege” of his life. 

He paid tribute to Keshi for giving him his breakthrough, noting that the late coach’s confidence in him inspired his dedication to the team.

“Honoured, Grateful, Forever a Super Eagle,” he said. 

“Today, I'm announcing my retirement from international football. In 2015, a late call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life.

“A month later, the Big Boss gave me my debut. His belief in me ignited the desire to follow his footsteps.

“Every single time I put on the iconic shirt to walk out onto the pitch I have thought about that exact moment. Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams.”

Expressing gratitude to fans, coaches, and teammates, Troost-Ekong said wearing the Super Eagles armband and representing more than 230 million Nigerians was an honour he would forever cherish.

“Nigeria took me in and trust me to lead and represent a nation of +230 million. From a boy born and raised in the Netherlands, to the Oyinbo Wall, and eventually skippo is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.” 

“To have achieved 83 senior caps, played in five major tournaments, three medals, and broken a few records, I really lived my dreams.” 

“A bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, followed by playing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and three incredible AFCON tournaments, with a bronze and recently a silver medal, will remain unforgettable.”

“To every coach, member of staff,and most importantly my teammates and now brothers past and present, who has been part of my international journey, thank you.”

Troost-Ekong also relived the emotional high of the 2023 AFCON tournament, where he captained Nigeria to the final, scored in the decisive match, and was named Player of the Tournament.

“Being able to lead Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON, scoring in the final, and being named Player of the Tournament, was something so special.”

“Till this day I still wish for a different ending. Becoming the highest scoring defender in AFCON history is a honour I share with every teammate who was part of those moments.” 

The defender stated that he is stepping aside with peace of mind, believing he has given everything to inspire the next generation of Super Eagles stars. 

“I am at peace knowing that throughout all these milestones, I gave everything I had, not just for myself but to try and inspire the next generations, the same way I was inspired by the legends I looked up to.,” he added. 

Troost-Ekong concluded his message with a heartfelt tribute to his teammates, whom he described as “brothers,” thanking them for sharing the journey with him. He expressed confidence in the team’s future and pledged continued support off the pitch.

“And had pleasure to fight shoulder to shoulder with. It's been so much fun to play alongside my Nigerian teammates.”

“Watching them grow into leaders, time has come to pass on the responsibilities, to pass on the opportunity, and to pass on the captaincy.

“I am so proud to be part of a group that fully showed it is possible to come home, to play and represent our beloved nation. None of this will be possible without the people around me.

“To the Nigerian fans, the heartbeat of Nigerian football, your support has carried me through every high and every challenge. This isn't a final goodbye, my work within Nigerian communities continues, just as my love and passion for the team will never fade.

“The last decade has been filed with commitment, pride and unforgotable memories. Wearing the Super Eagles shirt, has been more than playing football, has been a duty, a priviledge, and an honour,” he added. 

Nigeria, drawn in Group C of the upcoming AFCON alongside Uganda, Tunisia and Tanzania, will now look ahead to the tournament without one of their most experienced and influential leaders.