Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong announces retirement ahead of 2025 AFCON

Story By Citisports On December 5, 2025, 5:56 AM

Mere days to the start of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco on December 21, Nigeria’s National Men’s Football Team captain William Paul Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement according to football insider Fabrizio Romano.

The 32 year old’s announcement further complicates matters for the Super Eagles who are still reeling from a major fallout between players and the team’s administrators over unpaid bonuses ahead of the Intercontinental Playoffs for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria missed out on representing Africa in the playoffs to DR Congo after losing on penalties to the Leopards.

Troost-Ekong played a pivotal role in Nigeria finishing second at the 2024 AFCON and ended up winning the Player of the Tournament Award.

He scored in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Cote D’Ivoire in the final; winning silver at the 2024 edition marked Troost-Ekong’s second AFCON medal as the former Watford player won a bronze medal at the 2019 AFCON.

At the 2025 AFCON, Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

William Paul Ekong of Nigeria (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Troost-Ekong, who plays for Al-Kholood in Saudi Arabia, made 83 appearances for the Super Eagles and scored eight goals.