Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi have paid glowing tributes to Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong following his retirement from international football.
Troost-Ekong, 32, bows out after 10 years of dedicated service, earning 83 caps and scoring eight goals. His decision comes just days before Nigeria kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
Announcing his retirement on Thursday, the defender shared an emotional message: “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.”
His announcement sparked an immediate reaction from Victor Osimhen, who has played alongside him since his early days in the national team.
The Galatasaray striker posted a heartfelt tribute: “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. Legend forever.”
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi also expressed his emotions during an interview with SportyTV’s Kelechi, calling the moment “a sad one” within the team.
“Of course, I wish him well—he is a brother. He helped Nigeria and he helped me,” Iwobi said. “Even when he wasn’t playing as much towards the end, his leadership, his voice, and the togetherness he brought to the squad were massive.”
Iwobi added that Troost-Ekong will be deeply missed but believes new leaders will emerge to continue the legacy he leaves behind.
Troost-Ekong, who currently plays for Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father. After representing the Netherlands at youth level, he committed to Nigeria and made his senior debut on 13 June 2015 in an AFCON qualifier against Chad.
With five AFCON goals— the most by any defender in the tournament’s history—he concludes his international career with 83 appearances, finishing with a late cameo against Gabon on 13 November.
