William Troost-Ekong has formally introduced his retirement from worldwide soccer, drawing the curtain on a distinguished 10-year profession with Nigeria.
The 32-year-old introduced on Thursday, in a heartfelt assertion and a Fb publish, that he has a deep emotional connection to the nationwide workforce.
On Fb, he wrote:
“HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE 🦅🇳🇬
Enjoying for Nigeria has been the best privilege of my life. The journey might finish right here, however my help by no means will.
Right here’s to the following chapter.”
In his official retirement message, Troost-Ekong, who by the way was named in Nigeria’s provisional AFCON squad only a few days in the past, expressed gratitude for the prospect to symbolize the nation.
He opened with the phrases: “Right this moment, I’m saying my retirement from worldwide soccer.”
His announcement marks the tip of an period for certainly one of Nigeria’s most dedicated and influential gamers of the trendy period, a defender whose management, consistency and resilience helped form the Tremendous Eagles throughout three World Cup and AFCON cycles.
A profession launched by Keshi’s perception
Troost-Ekong paid tribute to the late Stephen Keshi, who handed him his debut in 2015.
“In 2015, a telephone name from the late Stephen Keshie modified my life.
A month later, the large boss gave me my debut.
His perception in me ignited the need to comply with in his footsteps.”
Born within the Netherlands to a Dutch mom and Nigerian father, Troost-Ekong represented the Netherlands at youth stage earlier than pledging allegiance to Nigeria in 2015.
He made his debut in June of that 12 months in a 2–0 win in opposition to Chad in the course of the 2017 AFCON qualifiers.
From that second on, he grew to become a everlasting fixture within the nationwide workforce, forming iconic defensive partnerships with Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, and later Calvin Bassey.
He recalled how each look for Nigeria linked him to that first alternative:
“Each single time I’ve placed on the long-lasting shirt to stroll out onto the pitch, I’ve thought again to that actual second.”
From debutant to captain
Troost-Ekong would go on to play 83 matches for Nigeria, captaining the aspect throughout a number of tournaments and World Cup qualifiers.
“Happening to captain the Tremendous Eagles was past my wildest desires.
Nigeria took me in and trusted me to guide and symbolize a nation of 230-plus million.
From a boy born and raised within the Netherlands to the Oyinbo Wall and finally Skipo, it’s a privilege I’ll all the time maintain near my coronary heart.”
He participated in 5 main tournaments: the 2016 Olympics, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the 2019, 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
On the Rio 2016 Olympics, he performed a key position as Nigeria received the bronze medal—the nation’s solely medal at these Video games. He began all matches, together with the essential quarter-final in opposition to Denmark, the place he scored the successful objective.
In Russia 2018, he marshalled Nigeria’s defence in opposition to Argentina, Iceland and Croatia. But it surely was on the African continent the place he actually cemented his legacy.
AFCON legacy and record-breaking moments
“To have achieved 83 senior caps, performed in 5 main tournaments, received three medals and damaged a couple of data, I actually lived my dream.”
Troost-Ekong featured in three AFCON tournaments—2019, 2021 and 2023—successful bronze in 2019 and silver in 2023.
He scored in all three editions, making him the highest-scoring defender in AFCON historical past, a milestone he referenced with humility:
“Changing into the very best scoring defender in AFCON historical past is an honor I share with each teammate who was a part of these moments.”
He described AFCON 2023 as particularly emotional.
“With the ability to lead Nigeria by way of the 2023 AFCON, scoring within the ultimate and being named participant of the match was one thing so particular.
To at the present time, I nonetheless want for a unique ending.”
His efficiency in Ivory Coast—taking part in by way of damage, scoring three objectives and successful the Participant of the Event award—was broadly celebrated as one of many most interesting by a Nigerian defender at a serious competitors.
Passing the torch
Troost-Ekong defined that his resolution was pushed by a need to step apart for the following technology.
“It has been a lot enjoyable to play alongside my Nigerian teammates.
Watching them develop into leaders, time has come to cross on the accountability, to cross on the chance, and to cross on the captaincy.
I’m so proud to be a part of a bunch that totally confirmed it’s attainable to return residence, to play and symbolize our beloved nation.”
He additionally thanked the coaches, workers and teammates who formed his worldwide journey:
“None of this could have been attainable with out the folks, folks round me.
To each coach, member of workers, and most significantly, my teammates and our brothers.
Previous and current, we’ve got been a part of my worldwide journey.
Thanks.”
A message to the followers
His farewell was incomplete with out acknowledging Nigerian supporters:
“To the Nigerian followers, the heartbeat of Nigerian soccer, your help has carried me by way of each excessive and each problem.
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This isn’t a ultimate goodbye.
My work inside Nigerian communities continues, simply as my love and keenness for the workforce won’t ever fade.”
Troost-Ekong has been concerned in charity and group initiatives throughout Nigeria, together with youth academies and social improvement initiatives.
He stated the final decade of service felt like greater than soccer:
“The final decade has been full of dedication, delight, and unforgettable recollections.
Sporting the Tremendous Eagle shirt has been greater than taking part in soccer.
It has been an obligation, a privilege, and an honour.”
A contemporary Tremendous Eagles icon
From his early days at FK Haugesund and Bursaspor to his later stints at Udinese, Watford, and Salernitana, at Greek champions PAOK and now in Saudi Arabia, Troost-Ekong has maintained a popularity for professionalism and management.
His retirement brings to an in depth one of the influential worldwide careers by a Nigerian defender, outlined by huge moments, match reliability and unwavering dedication.
