William Troost-Ekong has revealed the reason behind his decision to quit the Super Eagles before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reports Completesports.com.
The 32-year-old announced his retirement from international football on Thursday.
Troost-Ekong was named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for AFCON 2025 by head coach, Éric Chelle on Tuesday.
The defender has now opted not to take part in the competition
Troost-Ekong believed it’s the right time to step aside and allow the new generation to lead.
Read Also:Troost-Ekong Announces Retirement From International Football
“Now is the moment for them to claim that,” Troost-Ekong said in an interview with the Standard.
“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.”
“Selfishly, I would have loved to lift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and play at one more World Cup.
“But the thing that has given me the most joy now is I get messages from young boys saying they want to play for the Super Eagles.
They say they look up to me. Those are things you don’t start playing football for, but once they happen, they give you a real sense of pride.”
By Adeboye Amosu
5 Comments
Iwobi should be the next player to step away from the Super Eagles — he’s simply not adding value to the team at this point.
The best player to lead and build a strong squad around is Osimhen. It seems some players haven’t been fully cooperating with him, but if he becomes captain, the entire team would raise their level, follow his intensity, and match his hunger to win against any opponent.
A good time to take a respectful bow Ekong. You did well for Nigeria during the Oyinbo wall and no one can question your loyalty. I Coache personally wish you the very best going forward.
I hope the NFF have not pushed you to doing this because of the gbas gbos before the play off?
How l wish that Osimhen be the Captain of the team, but Ndidi will have to captain at this Afcon. At this point we really need fresh young blood working with Osimhen to lift the Super Eagles. That the only way the team can get better. The only concern I have with Osimhen is his constant injury
Heaven bless Ekong and all deserved Super Eagles players who retire on time. Lolz
The people that are most required to retire post haste are NFF ONIGBESE. The current NFF leadership.
O YES, NFF need to retire. They should tender their resignation immediately.
Failure after woeful failure. 2 world cups missed back to back!
Gross negligence, mind boggling incompetence and blatant, in your face corruption!
As we call on certain players to retire, let’s not forget NFF ONIGBESE, the elephant in the room!