Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a decade-long career with the Super Eagles. The 31-year-old confirmed the decision in an emotional statement on Thursday.

In a post on Instagram, Troost-Ekong said representing Nigeria was the greatest honour of his career, noting that although his playing journey with the national team has ended, his loyalty remains intact.

“Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life,” he wrote.

“The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter.”

His announcement came shortly after renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano broke the news on X, stating that the defender had opted to step away from international duty after amassing 83 caps, eight goals, three medals and appearances in five major tournaments.

Troost-Ekong, who currently plays for Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and a Nigerian father. He represented the Netherlands at youth level before committing his international future to Nigeria. He made his senior debut on June 13, 2015, in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad.

A cornerstone of Nigeria’s defence for years, Troost-Ekong also leaves behind an enduring legacy: his five goals at the Africa Cup of Nations remain the highest ever scored by a defender in the tournament’s history, a record that will likely stand for years.

His final appearance for the Super Eagles came on November 13, when he featured as a late substitute in a friendly against Gabon. Under current head coach Eric Chelle, Troost-Ekong’s playing time had diminished. He was an unused substitute in Nigeria’s decisive World Cup playoff loss to DR Congo, a defeat that ended the country’s hopes of qualifying and had fallen behind Benjamin Fredrick in the defensive pecking order.

Despite being named in Nigeria’s provisional 54-man squad for the 2024 AFCON in Morocco, his retirement means he will not be part of the team when camp opens in Egypt on December 10, ahead of the tournament kicking off on December 21.

Troost-Ekong’s exit marks the end of an era for the Super Eagles, who will now move forward without one of their most experienced and influential leaders as preparations intensify for the continental showpiece.