Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Troost-Ekong’s Sudden Exit Leaves Eagles Searching for Leadership Ahead of AFCON 2025

Posted : 06 December 2025

The Super Eagles have suffered a major blow ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as captain William Troost-Ekong has officially announced his retirement from international football.

The decision abruptly ends a decade-long presence that had been central to Nigeria’s defensive structure.

Ekong confirmed his exit in a heartfelt post on X, putting an end to growing speculation about his involvement in the upcoming tournament.

His retirement means Nigeria will head to Morocco without one of its most influential figures—both on and off the pitch.

Although listed in coach Eric Chelle’s 55-man provisional squad, the 32-year-old chose to conclude his international career, expressing gratitude and pride for the years spent wearing the green and white jersey.

“Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life… The journey may end here, but my support never will,” he wrote, marking the end of an era for the Super Eagles.

Since making his debut in June 2015 under the legendary Stephen Keshi, Troost-Ekong amassed 83 caps, featured in three AFCON tournaments, the 2018 World Cup, and famously led Nigeria to Olympic bronze in Rio 2016.

His departure leaves the national team with a leadership vacuum and a significant defensive gap to fill as the AFCON countdown continues.

The experienced centre-back will now focus on his club duties at Al-Kholood in Saudi Arabia, where he also serves as captain.

For the Super Eagles, the challenge shifts to finding a new defensive leader capable of filling the void left by one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers of the past decade.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :