The 31-year-old centre-back, born and raised in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, shared the news via a heartfelt statement on X, reflecting on the profound impact the national team had on his life. "Today, I’m announcing my retirement from international football," Troost-Ekong wrote. "My work within Nigerian communities continues through The Troost-Ekong Foundation and I will continue my work to build better futures for Nigerians, and my support, love and passion for the team will never fade. The last decade has been filled with commitment, pride, and unforgettable memories. Wearing the Super Eagles shirt has been more than playing football. Forever a Super Eagle. 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."
Troost-Ekong's decision comes despite his inclusion in coach Eric Chelle's 54-man provisional squad for the upcoming AFCON. In recent months, the veteran's role had evolved amid the rise of promising talents like 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick, who displaced him from the starting lineup and relegated him to the bench. He informed his teammates of his retirement in the dressing room following Nigeria's recent penalty-shootout defeat to DR Congo in a 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff last month, a result that compounded the emotional weight of his exit.
Since earning his senior debut in 2015 against Chad, Troost-Ekong amassed 83 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring eight goals and establishing himself as a defensive cornerstone alongside Leon Balogun in their famed "Oyibo Wall" partnership. His leadership propelled Nigeria to notable successes, including a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a runner-up finish at the 2019 AFCON, and qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He featured in five major tournaments overall, embodying resilience and tactical discipline while mentoring younger players both on and off the pitch.
Beyond the field, Troost-Ekong's legacy extends through his foundation, which focuses on community development in Nigeria—a passion he says will endure post-retirement. In an exclusive interview, he highlighted the unexpected joy of inspiring the next generation, noting messages from young fans aspiring to don the green-and-white jersey. "Those are things you don’t start playing football for, but once they happen, they give you a real sense of pride," he said.
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