Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has shared that he misses being part of the Nigerian national team months after he retired from international football. This was reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
Troost-Ekong stepped back from international duty in December 2025. He had played for Nigeria for ten years. During his time, he captained the team, won AFCON and Olympic medals, and became one of Nigeria's top defenders.
The 32-year-old spoke about life after retirement on the Bassey Talks podcast. He was joined by current Super Eagles players Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey.
He said he does not regret his retirement but watching the team from the sidelines has been tough.
“More than anything, I miss being with the guys. I miss being with… this is family to me, you know,” Troost-Ekong said.
He also reflected on his first time walking onto the pitch for a game. “I envision again like walking out for the first time, walking out on the pitch, those games, those moments. But I have no regrets and it was my decision to stop. Of course, I thought about it so much, so much went on in my head, but I don’t think I necessarily miss that part.
“I might do again later but I’m content. But I miss the team environment and when I see the team on TV now, I have my hands itching like I want to be there with them again, to share those moments. But besides that, I’m good, guys.”
Troost-Ekong retired shortly after Nigeria could not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His retirement came just months before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
He was born in the Netherlands and made his Super Eagles debut under the late Stephen Keshi in June 2015. He quickly became a key player in Nigeria’s defense. Along with Leon Balogun, he formed the famous “Oyibo Wall” that supported the team for many years.
His best moment in the national team was at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. He led the Super Eagles to the final and scored three goals in the tournament. Even though Nigeria lost to Côte d’Ivoire in the final, Troost-Ekong was named the tournament’s Best Player. He also became the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history with five goals.
He ended his career with 83 caps and eight goals, plus an Olympic bronze medal from Rio 2016 and AFCON silver and bronze medals. Troost-Ekong leaves a legacy as one of Nigeria’s most successful defenders.
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