Tremendous Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, is about to deliver his worldwide profession to an finish after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The choice follows Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after dropping to DR Congo within the closing spherical of the playoffs.
Ekong reportedly instructed his teammates within the dressing room after the match that he would retire from nationwide obligation, however will nonetheless honour Nigeria on the upcoming AFCON earlier than making his determination public. His exit will mark the tip of a outstanding spell with the Tremendous Eagles.
The defender made his debut in 2015 in a qualifier towards Chad, and shortly grew to become a mainstay within the crew. He fashioned a stable partnership with Leon Balogun, a pairing extensively celebrated as The Oyibo Wall, and performed a key half in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
One of many greatest highlights of his profession got here on the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, the place he was named Participant of the Event regardless of Nigeria ending second behind the hosts. His management and commanding presence in defence earned him respect throughout the continent.
As Ekong prepares for his closing event, consideration has now turned to the long run. Younger defender Benjamin Fredrick, aged 19, has been tipped as the subsequent pillar on the again for Nigeria.
The Nigeria Soccer Federation is anticipated to launch a provisional squad listing for AFCON quickly, with Ekong anticipated to function one final time within the inexperienced and white earlier than signing off from the nationwide stage.
