Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has firmly rejected claims that his retirement from international football was influenced by external pressure, insisting the decision was entirely his own.
Troost-Ekong, 32, announced his retirement on Thursday, closing a remarkable ten-year chapter with the Nigerian national team in which he earned 83 caps and captained the country at major tournaments. Shortly after his announcement, speculation spread across social media suggesting that friction with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had forced him out.
Responding swiftly on Friday, the experienced defender directly addressed posts on 𝕏 that accused the NFF of sidelining him due to alleged criticism or internal disagreements.
He wrote:
“Not true! My own choice/decision and on my own terms. No one ever asked or tried to force me out. If anything, it was the opposite when I communicated my decision. I wish the team the very best and will support them wholeheartedly at the upcoming AFCON.”
In another reply, he reiterated that the decision was free of external influence:
“This just isn’t true, my friend. I retired on my own terms and for my own reasons. None of the rumours are accurate. I wish you well, and I remain fully behind Coach Chelle and the team ahead of AFCON.”
His announcement came only days after he was included in Nigeria’s provisional 54-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—timing that intensified speculation that he had been denied a final appearance in national colours. Troost-Ekong, however, made it clear that the timing was coincidental and rooted solely in personal reflection.
Troost-Ekong made his Super Eagles debut in 2015 under the late Stephen Keshi, choosing to represent Nigeria despite having previously featured for Dutch youth teams. Over nearly a decade, he became a cornerstone of Nigeria’s defence, known for his leadership, consistency, and commitment.
In his retirement message, he looked back on his journey with gratitude:
“Today, I’m announcing my retirement from international football. Captaining the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams. Nigeria welcomed me and trusted me to represent a nation of more than 230 million people.”
His international résumé is extensive: he featured at the 2016 Olympics, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and three successive AFCON tournaments. He also won bronze in 2019 and silver in 2023. With three AFCON goals, he retires as the highest-scoring defender in the tournament’s history—a testament to his impact beyond defensive duties.
Troost-Ekong’s departure marks the end of an era, but his message makes one thing clear: his decision was guided by personal conviction, not controversy.
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