Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi have paid heartfelt tributes to Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong after the defender announced his retirement from international football, Soccernet.ng reports.
Troost-Ekong, 32, steps away after a decade of service, 83 caps, and eight goals, ending his international journey just days before Nigeria begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
His decision arrives at a sensitive moment for Nigeria, coming barely a fortnight after leading teammates in a training boycott over unpaid wages ahead of the World Cup play-offs in Morocco.
The Super Eagles ultimately fell short, missing out on a World Cup ticket after losing to DR Congo on penalties, yet it is Ekong’s leadership, conviction, and longevity that have dominated the reactions of players and fans.
He broke the news in a personal message, writing:
“Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”
HONOURED. GRATEFUL. FOREVER A SUPER EAGLE
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) December 4, 2025
Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. The journey may end here, but my support never will.
Here’s to the next chapter. pic.twitter.com/qt7MoMZHiW
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Troost-Ekong: Osimhen and Iwobi reflect on a leader’s legacy
Troost-Ekong’s retirement drew an immediate emotional response from striker Victor Osimhen, who has shared the pitch with the defender since his own early days with the national team.
The Galatasaray forward expressed admiration and gratitude, writing as per Legit.ng:
“It's been an honour sharing the pitch with you, skippo. Your guidance, humility, and professionalism pushed all of us to be better.
“Thank you for everything you've given to the team and Nigeria. Wishing you greatness ahead. You've earned it. Legend forever.”
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi echoed the sentiment in an interview with SportyTV’s Kelechi, describing the retirement as an 'emotional moment' inside the camp.
“Obviously it is a sad one for us because je 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,” Iwobi said.
He added that while Troost-Ekong played fewer minutes toward the end of his international career, his influence never faded.
“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.”
Iwobi praised the former captain’s impact in the dressing room:
“So he will be very missed, he was a big leader for us and I am sure we have other leaders that can follow in his footsteps but we all wish him well.”
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi speaks on William Troost-Ekong’s international retirement
— SportyTV (@SportyTV) December 5, 2025
: @KelechiAFC pic.twitter.com/unK3QFxgtP
He also acknowledged that Troost-Ekong’s exit increases leadership responsibilities for the more experienced members of the squad:
“God willing I stay fit. I will be there representing in the AFCON and also we would be fine for Nigeria and Wil as well. He would be there in spirit.”
A former Nigeria international, with a distinguished career in Germany, England, and Scotland, has also sent his farewell message to William Troost-Ekong.
