Super Eagles centre-back and AFCON 2023 hero, William Troost-Ekong, has officially retired from international football, closing the curtain on a remarkable 10-year journey that elevated him into one of Nigeria’s most respected modern-day leaders.
A Statement That Shook the Nation
In an emotional announcement released on Thursday evening, the 32-year-old shared his decision with fans across the world.
“Today, I am announcing my retirement from international football,” Troost-Ekong wrote. “From a boy born and raised in the Netherlands to the Oyibo Wall and eventually Skippo, it is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”
It was the kind of message that instantly stirred reflection, pride, and gratitude across Nigerian football.
From Surprise Call-Up to National Icon
Troost-Ekong’s journey began unexpectedly in 2015 when the late Stephen Keshi handed him a surprise invitation to the Super Eagles camp.
He made his debut on 13 June 2015, playing the full 90 minutes in an AFCON qualifier against Chad.
What started as an opportunity turned into a decade of unwavering service, leadership, and history-making moments.
A Career Filled With Medals, Milestones, and Memories
Troost-Ekong went on to represent Nigeria in five major tournaments, collecting medals and setting records along the way:
- Rio 2016 Olympics – Bronze medal
- 2018 FIFA World Cup – Featured in all group games
- AFCON 2019 – Bronze medal
- AFCON 2021 – Group-stage campaign
- AFCON 2023 – Silver medal, Player of the Tournament, record-breaking performance
His legacy was cemented in Ivory Coast, where he became the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history, scoring in both the semi-final and the final while captaining the team with pride.
“That tournament taught me what it truly means to be Nigerian… In adversity, we come together, we hustle, we fight through the pain, and we rise.”
Loved, Trusted, Adopted by a Nation
The former Watford and Udinese defender reserved some of his most heartfelt words for the fans who embraced him as one of their own.
“To the Nigerian fans, the heartbeat of Nigerian football… I will stand with you as you stood with me.”
His message echoed the deep bond he built with supporters, earning him the beloved nickname “Oyibo Wall” and later “Skippo,” symbols of both his defensive grit and leadership.
“This Is Not Goodbye” — Ekong Passes the Baton
Although he has stepped away from the national team, Troost-Ekong insisted that his connection to Nigeria will continue beyond football.
“This is not a final goodbye… My work within Nigerian communities continues, just as my love and passion for this team will never fade.”
He ended with a message to the next generation of Super Eagles:
“As a custodian of an iconic shirt, I always knew it was borrowed. Now it is the turn of the next generation to continue to write their own story.”
A Legacy Etched in Green and White
Tributes have poured in for a man who embodied professionalism, resilience, and patriotism.
Troost-Ekong retires with:
- 83 caps
- Three international medals
- Multiple AFCON accolades
- The respect and admiration of millions
One of Nigeria’s finest defenders has hung up his national team boots but his imprint on the Super Eagles will endure for generations.
