Ekong Set to Retire from International Football After 2025 AFCON
Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, is set to bring his international career to an end after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The decision follows Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing to DR Congo in the final round of the playoffs.
Ekong reportedly told his teammates in the dressing room after the match that he would retire from national duty, but will still honour Nigeria at the upcoming AFCON before making his decision public. His exit will mark the end of a remarkable spell with the Super Eagles.
The defender made his debut in 2015 in a qualifier against Chad, and quickly became a mainstay in the team. He formed a solid partnership with Leon Balogun, a pairing widely celebrated as The Oyibo Wall, and played a key part in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
One of the biggest highlights of his career came at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was named Player of the Tournament despite Nigeria finishing second behind the hosts. His leadership and commanding presence in defence earned him respect across the continent.
As Ekong prepares for his final tournament, attention has now turned to the future. Young defender Benjamin Fredrick, aged 19, has been tipped as the next pillar at the back for Nigeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation is expected to release a provisional squad list for AFCON soon, with Ekong expected to feature one last time in the green and white before signing off from the national stage.
