Why Troost-Ekong retired on the eve of AFCON— Iwobi Speaks

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has explained why team captain William Troost-Ekong surprisingly retired from Nigeria’s national team.

Iwobi said Troost-Ekong was not getting enough playing time toward the end of his career with the Super Eagles, which made things difficult for him. According to him, the defender wanted to play more than he was allowed to.

Troost-Ekong announced his retirement on Thursday, just before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His name had already been included in the provisional squad list for the tournament, so his decision came as a surprise to many football fans.

The former captain played 83 matches for Nigeria and was widely expected to lead the team in Morocco. His experience, leadership, and fighting spirit were seen as valuable qualities, especially for a major competition.

Speaking on SportyTV, Iwobi said Troost-Ekong’s absence will leave a big gap. Even though he had not played consistently in recent games, Iwobi believes his presence in camp made a big difference.

“Toward the end, he was not playing as often as he wanted,” Iwobi said. He added that the team will miss Troost-Ekong’s leadership because he always encouraged unity and helped players bond like a family.

Iwobi further said that although other players will step up, Troost-Ekong’s contribution over the years cannot be easily replaced. He wished him success in whatever comes next in his career.

Troost-Ekong had earlier highlighted his achievements with Nigeria, including helping the team reach the AFCON final and representing the country at the World Cup. Many supporters and stakeholders have praised his service, describing him as one of the most committed defenders of his generation.

With his retirement, the Super Eagles will now have to rely on new leaders on and off the field, as they prepare for AFCON 2025 and future competitions.