•NFF hails Super Eagles Captain

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has opened up on the reasons behind his surprise retirement from international football, barely three weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Watford defender said the choice was driven by family considerations and the need to realign his priorities.

“I think sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and know the circumstances change,” he said. “I have a young family and I have sacrificed a lot, time wise also injuries, traveling things that are all part of being an international football player, which I love doing and I wouldn’t change that for anything.’

“But there comes a time when you have to weigh up all those things and understand where your priority is and I think if you can’t commit to that one hundred percent then it’s time to pass the baton on.”

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong following his announcement on Thursday, 4 December 2025, that he is retiring from international football with immediate effect.

In a statement, the NFF described its review of Troost-Ekong’s decade-long service to the national team as “dispassionate,” while commending the defender for his dedication, humility, and leadership since making his debut in 2015. The federation said Troost-Ekong consistently displayed discipline, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to the national colours, both as a squad member and later as team captain.

Troost-Ekong featured prominently in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments — 2019, 2021, and 2023 — earning silver and bronze medals. His performances, the NFF noted, set a standard for younger players, highlighted by his influential role during Nigeria’s run to the AFCON 2023 final in Côte d’Ivoire, where he scored three crucial goals and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

The 31-year-old defender concludes his international career with 83 caps across five major competitions, including an appearance at the FIFA World Cup. According to the federation, he departs “a fulfilled man,” able to look back on a decade of national service with pride.

The NFF thanked Troost-Ekong for his contributions and pledged its support as he pursues future ambitions within the game, emphasizing that it wishes him success in the next chapter of his football journey.