Nigeria Legend William Troost-Ekong Calls it a Day on his International Career

Nigeria legend William Troost-Ekong has decided to call it a day in his career after being in service for the Super Eagles for almost a decade. This news comes as a shock to the Nigerian football fraternity, just weeks before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), 2025. The 32-year-old centre back has abruptly decided to put an end to his international career after being included in Eric Chelle's 54-man provisional squad for the AFCON, which is scheduled to be held in Morocco from 22nd December. William Troost-Ekong took to his Instagram handle to express gratitude and mentioned that it's time for the upcoming generation to take on the captaincy & the responsibility, which he has carried all these years without fail. A line from his post read:

What's next for William Troost-Ekong?

In the video, he further explained that he is transitioning into a new chapter of life and is immensely proud of the opportunity that he got to represent his motherland on some of the biggest stages of world football. William Troost-Ekong retirement has sent shockwaves across the nation after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for consecutive World Cups. The veteran centre-back was first handed his debut in 2015 in an AFCON Qualifier against Chad by the late Stephen Keshi. William Troost-Ekong stats show that he has represented his nation for a total of 83 games, bagging 8 goals and one assist. He has played in three AFCON tournaments and has also represented the Nigeria national football team in the 2018 World Cup. He was handed the captaincy of the team in 2021. William Troost-Ekong was named the most valuable player of the 2023 AFCON, which took place in Ivory Coast. That tournament continues to remain the highlight of William Troost-Ekong international career. Wilfried Ndidi is expected to assume the role of the skipper in his place.