NFF reacts to William Troost-Ekong’s retirement from international football

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed its gratitude and praise to senior men’s national team captain, William Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement from international football.

​Troost-Ekong, who was thought to be leading the Super Eagles in December during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), made the shocking announcement via a social media post on Thursday.

​The NFF on Friday released a statement on their website and described the Al Kholood defender as a “committed and humble leader.”

“After a dispassionate evaluation of his 10-year stewardship with the Senior National Team of Nigeria (Super Eagles), the Nigeria Football Federation wishes to eulogize William Troost-Ekong following his announcement of immediate retirement from international football on Thursday, 4 December 2025.

Captain Troost-Ekong was a dedicated, selfless and humble leader of the Super Eagles for so many years, having started his international journey in the year 2015. He served with gusto, zeal and patriotic fervour, and he bestrode the pitch with passion, pride, purpose and commendable sense of duty.”

Furthermore, the federation wished Troost-Ekong the very best in his footballing journey, calling his achievements with the three-time African champions a landmark for younger players.

“Troost-Ekong’s service delivery over the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2019, 2021 and 2023 is a marker for younger footballers to seek to emulate. His silver and bronze medals from the continental championship are mere drops in a fabulous journey that saw him play in the biggest stage of them all – the FIFA World Cup finals – and score telling goals for Nigeria at international level.

As he retires from the international game, the Nigeria Football Federation wishes William Troost-Ekong the very best in his future endeavours, and will do whatever we can, within our capacity, to help him accomplish his future goals and objectives within the round-leather game.”

Troost-Ekong made 83 appearances for the Super Eagles in 10 years and last featured for Nigeria in their 2026 World Cup qualifier playoffs match against Gabon when he came off the bench.

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