The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has paid a glowing tribute to Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong after the defender confirmed his retirement from international football on Thursday, 4 December 2025.

In a statement reflecting on his decade at the heart of Nigeria’s defence, the NFF described Troost-Ekong as a model professional who led the national team with dignity and a deep sense of responsibility since making his debut in 2015.

The NFF praised his “dedicated, selfless and humble” approach to leadership, noting that he gave everything to the shirt and played “with passion, pride, purpose and commendable sense of duty.” The federation added that even before he was named captain, he was a popular figure within the team.

Troost-Ekong was a key figure across three Africa Cup of Nations finals. He won silver and bronze medals for Nigeria and played an influential role at the 2019, 2021 and 2023 tournaments.

The highlight of his international career came in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023, when he helped guide the Super Eagles to the final and finished the tournament as Most Valuable Player.

His international journey also took him to football’s biggest stage, the FIFA World Cup, and he found the net at crucial moments for Nigeria in major competitions. With 83 caps across five major tournaments, the NFF said he leaves “a fulfilled man” who has set a high standard for the next generation.

“As he retires from the international game, the Nigeria Football Federation wishes William Troost-Ekong the very best in his future endeavours, and will do whatever we can, within our capacity, to help him accomplish his future goals and objectives within the round-leather game,” the statement added.

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