CAF, Super Eagles Players and Nigerians Praise Troost-Ekong After His Retirement
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), Super Eagles players, and many Nigerians have praised William Troost-Ekong following his retirement from international football.
On Thursday, Troost-Ekong shared an emotional statement on his official X account, announcing that he had decided to step away from the national team.
“Every single time I put on that iconic shirt, I thought back to the moment Stephen Keshi gave me my debut,” he wrote.
“Nigeria took me in and trusted me to represent a nation of over 230 million people. I have lived my dream.
“To have achieved 83 caps, played in five major tournaments and captained Nigeria is beyond my wildest dreams.”
He added that playing with his teammates and fighting through challenges together was special, but it is now time for the next generation to continue the journey.
Responding to the announcement, Fulham midfielder and Super Eagles teammate Alex Iwobi said Troost-Ekong’s retirement was emotional for the team.
“Obviously, it is a sad one because he is a big member of the team,” Iwobi said. “But I wish him very well because he has helped the Super Eagles and helped me too. I hope the next chapter of his life goes well for him. We will all support him.”
Iwobi also spoke about the gap Troost-Ekong will leave behind.
“Towards the end of his Nigerian career he wasn’t playing as much as he would have liked, but he was still a big part of our team — his voice, his leadership, and how he kept the team united. He will be sorely missed as a big leader,” he added.
CAF also praised Troost-Ekong on its official website, celebrating his contributions to African football.
“His retirement marks the end of an era for Nigeria — a decade in which Troost-Ekong became not only a captain, but a symbol of pride, perseverance and national identity,” CAF wrote.
Africa’s football body also posted on X: “Legends remain, in their time and long after it. William Troost-Ekong. It’s been a pleasure, captain.”
Afro Ballers, a leading African football platform, also honoured him on X.
“William Troost-Ekong. It’s been a pleasure, captain. After representing the Netherlands at youth level, he switched to Nigeria,” the platform wrote.
“Olympic and AFCON medals, a World Cup appearance, and eventually the captain’s armband — he gave nine years of service to the Super Eagles. Legend status secured.”
