Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has retired from international football just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. 

The decision has stunned many Nigerian football fans, especially as the defender was included in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad for the tournament scheduled to kick off later this month.

Romano confirmed the development on Thursday, revealing that the 32-year-old has opted to end his national team career after earning 83 caps.

“William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football and won’t play for Nigeria again,” Romano posted on social media. 

“After 83 caps, 3 medals and playing in 5 major tournaments, Troost-Ekong says goodbye to the Super Eagles.”

Troost-Ekong, who made his debut for Nigeria in 2015, has been a pillar in the heart of the defence for nearly a decade. 

His contributions include eight goals and a standout performance at the 2023 AFCON, where he was named Player of the Tournament while leading the Super Eagles to a silver-medal finish.

His absence will be deeply felt by coach Eric Chelle, especially with the recent injury setback suffered by young defender Benjamin Frederick. 

Frederick sustained a knee injury while training with Belgian club Dender shortly after returning from Nigeria’s 4–3 shootout defeat to DR Congo, ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup and AFCON campaigns.

As the Super Eagles prepare for the continental showpiece, Chelle will be banking on other defenders to rise to the occasion and maintain Nigeria’s ambition of winning a fourth AFCON title. 

Nigeria is placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Adeyemi Adewale