The Nigeria captain has now officially announced his retirement from international football, closing a chapter that saw him grow from a promising defender into one of the nation’s most respected leaders.

“Every single time I wore that shirt, I remembered the moment Stephen Keshi gave me my debut,” Troost-Ekong wrote on social media.

“Nigeria took me in, trusted me, and allowed me to represent a nation of over 230 million people. I have truly lived my dream.”

The 31-year-old confirmed that his final appearance came in Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo, a heart-breaking result that ended the country’s qualification hopes. Despite the disappointment, Troost-Ekong said stepping away now allows the next generation of players to continue Nigeria’s journey.

Over his ten-year career, Troost-Ekong became the cornerstone of Nigeria’s defence. His partnership with Leon Balogun, famously known as the “Oyibo Wall,” helped guide the Super Eagles to the 2018 World Cup and multiple AFCON campaigns.

He earned 83 caps, played in five major tournaments, and won three significant medals, including bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2019 AFCON.

Reflecting on his finest moments, Troost-Ekong highlighted the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

“Captaining Nigeria to the final, scoring in the decisive match, and being named Player of the Tournament was something I will never forget,” he said.

Troost-Ekong said his decision to retire stems from both personal reflection and the belief that Nigeria’s future stars should take centre stage, but reassured fans that this is not a final farewell and he intends to remain involved in Nigerian football.

“I am at peace with retiring. Now it’s the turn of the next generation to continue, build, and write their own story,” he added.

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