Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has explained why he chose to retire from international football just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 32-year-old announced his decision on Thursday via his social media handle, a day after he was named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the Morocco tournament.
Troost-Ekong, who has featured sparingly for the national team in recent matches, was still widely expected to play a leadership role at the AFCON. The former Watford stalwart had undergone surgery last year to fix a hamstring injury that kept him out for several months.
Speaking with The Standard, the centre-back said he stepped aside to allow a new generation of players assume leadership duties.
According to him, every team must embrace transition at the right moment.
“Now is the moment for them to claim that,” he said. “The team is ready because we’ve got great leaders. I think there is a natural progression, and there is an art in knowing when to step away.”
Troost-Ekong, who captained Nigeria at various stages over his decade-long international career, exits the national team as one of its most experienced defenders.
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