Why Troost-Ekong Walked Away: Inside Decision That Shocked Super Eagles Camp

Why Troost-Ekong Walked Away: Inside Decision That Shocked Super Eagles Camp

By Admin 

Former Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, December 4, 2025, drawing the curtain on a decade-long career with Nigeria just weeks before the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Troost-Ekong, who was named in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025, opted to withdraw despite earning 83 caps since his debut in a qualifier against Chad on June 13, 2015. Before pledging allegiance to Nigeria, the centre-back represented the Netherlands at U19, U20 and U23 levels.

According to team sources, Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup played a decisive role in his retirement. Troost-Ekong had long harboured ambitions of leading the Super Eagles to the tournament, having described his first World Cup experience in Russia 2018 as “unforgettable.”

“We all want to go to the World Cup. We are really looking forward to it,” he had said prior to Nigeria’s shock elimination by DR Congo in the playoff series.

A senior camp official confirmed that the 32-year-old defender was deeply disappointed by the missed opportunity. “He always wanted to lead Nigeria to the World Cup. The failure to qualify made the decision to step away much easier for him.”

The source further revealed that Troost-Ekong’s diminishing on-field role also contributed to his choice. With younger defenders emerging and his place in the starting lineup no longer assured, he found himself increasingly on the bench an unfamiliar situation for a player widely regarded as a vocal leader.

“Ekong is a warrior who leads from the front. Sitting on the bench reduced his influence, and without a guarantee of playing time at AFCON 2025, he felt the moment was right to retire,” the source explained.

Despite the difficult end to his international journey, Troost-Ekong leaves behind a legacy highlighted by his commanding performances at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, where he was widely praised as one of the team’s standout performers.