Troost Ekong Leaves Nigeria Duty Following 83 Caps and AFCON Valor
Troost Ekong, the captain of the Super Eagles, retires from international competition after ten years of service, expressing delight in representing Nigeria abroad.
After playing for Nigeria for ten successful years, Super Eagles captain William Troost Ekong has announced his retirement from international football.
In an Instagram story on Thursday, the 32-year-old announced his retirement from international football, confirming his choice.
He remarked, “A phone call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life in 2015,” on the start of his Nigerian career. My debut was given by the Big Boss a month later. I wanted to follow in his footsteps because of his faith in me.
Leading the Super Eagles exceeded his expectations, he claimed. “I have remembered that moment each and every time I have put on that famous shirt to take the field. I never would have imagined becoming the Super Eagles’ captain.
He was proud to be representing a nation he had come to love. “Nigeria welcomed me and trusted me to guide and speak for a country of over 230 million people. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have been born and raised in the Netherlands, travel to the Ovibo Wall, and eventually meet Skippo.
“I have lived my dream,” he remarked, summarizing his accomplishments: “I have played in five major tournaments, earned three medals, broken a few records, and achieved 83 senior caps.”
He highlighted his victories in the tournament. “Playing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, winning a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and winning a bronze and most recently a silver medal in three amazing AFCON tournaments will remain unforgettable.”
Troost Ekong claimed that his perspective of Nigerian tenacity was impacted by the recent AFCON, where he performed really well.
The ability to guide Nigeria through the 2023 AFCON, score in the championship game, and win Player of the Tournament was very remarkable. I continue to hope for a better conclusion to this day. I share the glory of becoming the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history with all of my teammates who shared in those moments. I learned from that competition what it really means to be Nigerian: that we unite, work hard, overcome hardship, and flourish in the face of hardship.
As he leaves the platform, he expressed how fulfilled he feels. “I feel at ease knowing that I gave it my all throughout each of these significant occasions. I want to inspire the next generation in the same manner that I was inspired by the heroes I admired and enjoyed fighting beside.
“It has been enjoyable to play alongside my Nigerian teammates, creating something amazing together,” he continued, passing on leadership. As we watch them develop into leaders, it’s time to hand over the captaincy, the opportunity, and the duty. I have always known that this renowned clothing was only borrowed since I am its curator. It is now up to the following generation to carry on telling their own tale.
He emphasized the significance of representation from the diaspora. “As someone who was born in the diaspora, I am incredibly proud to be a part of a group that demonstrated that it is possible to return home to play and represent our country.”
Troost Ekong expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make his voyage possible. “I couldn’t have done all of this without the people in my life. “Thank you to all of the coaches, staff, and most importantly, my teammates, both past and present, who have supported me throughout my international journey!”
He honored his admirers as well. The lifeblood of Nigerian football is its supporters. Through every high and every challenge, your support has kept me going. Just as you stood by me, I will stand by you.
He emphasized that his relationship with Nigeria is still solid. The farewell is not final. Like my love and passion for this team, my work in Nigerian communities will never stop.
He came to the conclusion that the past ten years had been full of dedication, pride, and treasured memories. Playing football has not been the only aspect of wearing the Super Eagles uniform. It has been a privilege, an honor, and a duty.
Having competed in three AFCON games, the Rio Olympics, and the 2018 World Cup, Troost Ekong retires after a stellar showing in Côte d’Ivoire, where he won best player.
