AFCON 2025: Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong could miss Nigeria’s quest for fourth African title

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has been reportedly considering retirement from international football following Nigeria’s recent heartbreaking defeat to DR Congo in the World Cup playoff final, posing a major setback for Nigeria’s quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

At 31, Troost-Ekong’s role in the team has shifted following the emergence of 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick, who has won the defensive spot in the starting lineup, with Troost-Ekong relegated to the bench in recent matches.

He watched solemnly as Nigeria succumbed to a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo after a tense match in Rabat.

According to Nigerian journalist Mike on X (formerly Twitter), Troost-Ekong emotionally told his teammates after the defeat, “I will watch you as a fan at the AFCON,” signaling his intention to step away from the national team ahead of the tournament starting this December.

However, in a podcast earlier this year with his former Watford teammate ben Foster, Troost-Ekong noted that the AFCON 2025 would be his last for Nigeria and the Super Eagles, emphasizing his desire to create more memories to show his kids.

Troost-Ekong remains a respected leader who has captained Nigeria for several years since taking the armband from Ahmed Musa.

His experience and leadership are widely considered invaluable assets for the Super Eagles’ upcoming campaigns.

As Nigeria looks ahead to AFCON 2025 after a disastrous 2026 World Cup qualifiers, whether Troost-Ekong remains in the fold will be a key storyline for supporters and analysts watching the team’s quest to reclaim their fading glory.