Super Eagles skipper William Troost-Ekong has officially stepped away from international football, ending his Nigeria career just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Announcing his decision on X on Thursday, the 35-year-old reflected on his journey with the national team. “Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagles. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter,” he wrote.

Troost-Ekong’s retirement follows weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future with the team. Over the years, he made 83 appearances for Nigeria, competing in five major tournaments and winning AFCON silver and bronze medals, as well as an Olympic bronze medal.

He was a major figure in Nigeria’s run to the final of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast but found it difficult to maintain a regular starting role in recent matches, especially with the emergence of young defender Benjamin Fredrick.

Despite being named in the Super Eagles’ 55-man provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON by the Nigeria Football Federation earlier this week, Troost-Ekong has now chosen to bow out before the tournament begins.