Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has opened up on the reasons behind his surprise retirement from international football, barely three weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco.
Troost-Ekong announced his decision on Thursday evening, just two days after he was named in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad for the tournament.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Watford defender said the choice was driven by family considerations and the need to realign his priorities.
"I think sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and know the circumstances change," he said.
“I have a young family and I have sacrificed a lot, time wise also injuries, traveling things that are all part of being an international football player, which I love doing and I wouldn't change that for anything.’
"But there comes a time when you have to weigh up all those things and understand where your priority is and I think if you can't commit to that one hundred percent then it's time to pass the baton on."
Troost-Ekong also expressed confidence in the emerging generation of Super Eagles defenders, noting that the team has enough talent to fill the gap his departure creates.
“I think we have so much talent in the team and players that are ready to step up and do that and I think you have to be brave enough to step away then,” he added.
His retirement has, however, heightened concerns within the Nigerian football community, especially following the recent injury setback to Benjamin Fredrick.
The 20-year-old defender, who has impressed since making his debut in May, has been ruled out of AFCON with a knee injury and had been widely seen as Ekong’s successor in central defence.
Fredrick’s rise had even kept Troost-Ekong on the bench in some World Cup qualifying matches, signaling a generational shift within the squad.
With both defenders now unavailable, head coach Eric Chelle faces the challenge of reorganizing his backline ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON opener.
The Malian tactician will hope other players step up and fill the void left by Troost-Ekong’s departure and Fredrick’s injury.
Adeyemi Adewale
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