Troost-Ekong Opens Up On Life After Super Eagles Retirement

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed that he still misses being part of the Nigerian national team months after ending a distinguished international career.

Naija News reports that the defender, who retired from international football in December 2025 after ten years of service, reflected on life away from the squad during a roundtable discussion on the Bassey Talks podcast alongside current Super Eagles players Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey.

Although Troost-Ekong said he remains at peace with his decision to step away, he admitted that the bond he shared with teammates is something he still longs for.

“More than anything, I miss being with the guys. I miss being with… this is family to me, you know,” Troost-Ekong said as quoted by the Punch.

“I envision again like walking out for the first time, walking out on the pitch, those games, those moments. But I have no regrets and I decided to stop. Of course, I thought about it so much, so much went on in my head, but I don’t think I necessarily miss that part.

“I might do it again later but I’m content. But I miss the team environment and when I see the team on TV now, I have my hands itching like I want to be there with them again, to share those moments. But besides that, I’m good, guys.”

The 32-year-old called time on his international career shortly after Nigeria’s unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and months before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Troost-Ekong who was born in the Netherlands made his Super Eagles debut under the late Stephen Keshi in June 2015 and quickly established himself as a key figure in Nigeria’s defence. He formed the celebrated “Oyibo Wall” alongside Leon Balogun in a partnership that became a cornerstone of the national team for several years.

His standout moment came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where he captained Nigeria to the final and scored three goals during the tournament.

Despite the Super Eagles falling to the hosts in the final, Troost-Ekong was named the competition’s Best Player and became the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history with five goals.

He retired with 83 appearances and eight goals for Nigeria, adding an Olympic bronze medal from Rio 2016 as well as AFCON silver and bronze medals to his achievements.