Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Nigeria Captain William Troost-Ekong Retires From International Football Weeks Before AFCON

He frames the move as a fitness-driven, pre-planned exit decided before the DR Congo play-off.

Overview

  • Troost-Ekong announced his decision on December 4, closing a Super Eagles career of 83 caps and eight goals over a decade.
  • He will not take part in AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where Nigeria begin Group C against Tanzania on December 23 after the tournament opens on December 21.
  • He cited ongoing fitness issues, including hamstring surgery last year, as key to the timing of his retirement.
  • He had resolved before the World Cup play-off against DR Congo that it would be his final involvement and informed team-mates afterward.
  • Reflecting on his tenure, he noted a 2016 Olympic bronze, the 2018 World Cup and 2023 AFCON Player of the Tournament honors, and he pledged continued support through his foundation and efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s player pathways.