Retirement: Super Eagles star set to quit before AFCON 2025 after World Cup heartbreak

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is reportedly considering drawing the curtain on his international career following Nigeria’s painful exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

The team’s shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final in Morocco sealed their fate, and may have signalled the end of a decade-long international journey for one of Nigeria’s most influential leaders.

According to CAF-accredited journalist MikeThePundit, the 32-year-old centre-half told teammates in the dressing room after the loss that he was contemplating retirement.

The reporter revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Ekong said:

“I will watch you as a fan at the AFCON.”

If confirmed, it would be a stunning development for a player long regarded as the emotional heartbeat of the squad.

Troost-Ekong’s last competitive start came in Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, where he also scored.

In recent months, he has been used sparingly, with Wilfred Ndidi taking over captaincy duties and 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick emerging as the team’s most exciting young defensive talent.

Troost-Ekong made his Nigeria debut in 2015 and quickly grew into one of the national team’s most dependable figures. He helped Nigeria win bronze at the 2019 AFCON, and also earned a place in the tournament’s group-stage Best XI at the 2021 edition. 

The former Watford and Udinese defender also powered the Super Eagles to the 2023 AFCON final as captain, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

With AFCON 2025 kicking off in December next year, the question now is whether Ekong will stay for one last dance or bring his storied Super Eagles career to an end.

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Benjamin Fredrick: Super Eagles' next defensive leader

As Ekong weighs his future, a new chapter may already be unfolding for the Super Eagles backline, led by 20-year-old Brentford defender Benjamin Fredrick.

Fredrick’s ascent has been quick and quietly impressive. He was initially not considered ready for senior football but providence dragged him to the Super Eagles camp in London as Nigeria prepared for the invitational Unity Cup. There he impressed head coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria defeated Jamaica in the final to win the trophy.

Fredrick thereafter forced his way into the starting XI during September’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, registering his first competitive cap.

Captain Ekong had praised him during the build-up to the qualifiers, calling him ‘the future of Nigeria as a defender.'

What followed validated that endorsement.

Against Rwanda in Uyo, Fredrick displayed composure beyond his years, partnering Calvin Bassey with authority as Nigeria sealed a 1–0 win. Even under late pressure, the youngster stayed calm, distributing the ball cleanly and winning key duels.

Coach Chelle later defended his bold decision to start Fredrick over Troost-Ekong, stating:

“This is my choice. My job is to make decisions. Winning proves the decision was good.”

Since then, Fredrick has cemented his place, starting in both legs of Nigeria’s World Cup playoff matches against Gabon and DR Congo in Rabat.

His journey is as compelling as his talent. Beginning at Moses Simon’s Simoiben Football Academy, he progressed through loans at ABS FC and Nasarawa United before joining Brentford B in 2023. His current loan spell at Dender in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League has provided valuable first-team experience.

Fredrick also represented Nigeria at U-20 level, playing in the WAFU B Cup, U-20 AFCON, and the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Ekong himself is among the youngster’s biggest admirers. Speaking to NFF TV, he said:

“Benjamin is humble, hardworking and very talented… I’m looking forward to seeing him continue his development and become important for the team.”

If Ekong does decide to retire, it appears he has already witnessed, and endorsed, the future.