Troost-Ekong retires from international football, weeks before AFCON

William Troost-Ekong, captain of the Super Eagles, has announced his retirement from international football.

The defender made the announcement on Thursday via an Instagram post.

“Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football,” the 32-year-old said in a video message.

Ekong noted that his journey with the Eagles “ends here” as he pivots to the “next chapter” of his life and career.

He added that he is proud to “be part of the group that showed that it is possible to come home to play and represent our beloved nation”.

“The time has come to pass on the responsibility, to pass on the opportunity, to pass on the captaincy,” he said.

His announcement comes less than 48 hours after he was included in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional squad for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to begin in Morocco on December 21.

Although born in the Netherlands and having represented the country at youth level, Ekong chose to commit to Nigeria. He made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in 2015 during an AFCON qualifier against Chad.