Sports

Osimhen, Iwobi Pay Tributes To Retired Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong

Published December 6, 2025 at 9:11 AM

Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi have led a wave of tributes to Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong after the defender announced his retirement from international football following a ten-year service.

Naija News reports that Troost-Ekong, 32, confirmed his decision on Thursday, ending a career that produced 83 caps and eight goals, along with two Africa Cup of Nations finals. His announcement comes just days before Nigeria begin their 2025 AFCON campaign in Morocco.

In reaction to his exit, Osimhen took to 𝕏 to appreciate the defender. The Galatasaray striker said Troost-Ekong had been a mentor both on and off the pitch.

Osimhen wrote: “It’s been an honour sharing the pitch with you, Skippo. Your guidance, humility, and professionalism inspired us all to strive for excellence.

“Thank you for everything you’ve given to the team and Nigeria. Wishing you greatness ahead. You’ve earned it. Legend forever.”

Iwobi shared a similar sentiment when speaking to SportyTV, describing the atmosphere in camp as emotional following the announcement.

“Obviously, it is a sad one for us because he is a big part of our team. But at the end of the day, I wish him well, he is a brother, he has helped Nigeria and me,” the Fulham midfielder said.

Iwobi highlighted that Troost-Ekong’s influence reached far beyond his minutes on the pitch in recent months.

“Of course, towards the end of his Nigerian career, he wasn’t playing as much as probably he would like, but he was still a big part of our team, his voice, the way he was leading us and the way he made sure the togetherness in the team was very high and very strong,” he said.

Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, Troost-Ekong switched allegiance to Nigeria after playing for the Netherlands at the youth level. He made his senior debut on 13 June 2015 against Chad in an AFCON qualifier.

His five goals at the AFCON stand as the highest tally ever scored by a defender in the competition. His final appearance for Nigeria came as a late substitute against Gabon on 13 November, 2025.

Note that Troost-Ekong currently plays for Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League.

Author:

Ernest Victor

Victor Ernest Osong is a passionate communicator, teacher, poet, well-trained journalist, creative strategist, purpose-driven storyteller, and realist. With a strong foundation in writing, editing, content development, and leadership, he specializes in shaping narratives that inform, inspire, and ignite action. Email: [email protected]