Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football. This decision has surprised many supporters.

The announcement comes less than a month before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco. Troost-Ekong, aged 32, shared the news on social media platform 𝕏 earlier today.

He posted a brief message confirming his decision. He expressed being “honoured” and “forever a Super Eagle.” This concludes his ten-year career with the national team.

A Decade of Service and Impact

During his time with the Eagles, Troost-Ekong made 83 appearances. He scored eight goals for Nigeria. He also earned three AFCON medals.

Troost-Ekong’s heartfelt message read:

“Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle 🦅🇳🇬.

“Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will.

“Here’s to the next chapter.”

He joined the senior squad in 2015. He quickly became one of the team’s most dependable players.

His most notable achievement came at the 2023 AFCON. He was named Player of the Tournament. This was after he led Nigeria to a commendable second-place finish.

As a key centre-back, his leadership anchored the defence. He played a crucial role in shaping a new generation of Super Eagles talent. Many fans believe his unique presence will be difficult to replace.

Implications for AFCON 2025 Preparations

His retirement now forces Nigeria into a defensive reshuffle. This comes at a very sensitive time. The squad is already dealing with challenges.

Young defender Benjamin Frederick is currently injured. He will miss both the upcoming AFCON and World Cup qualifiers. The absence of two vital players in the same defensive department raises concerns.

For Head Coach Eric Chelle, this situation poses fresh questions. It impacts the team’s depth and experience. Stability before a major competition like AFCON is now a pressing issue.