Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has admitted that he still feels the absence of international football months after bringing an end to his Nigeria career.
The defender officially retired from international duty in December 2025, closing a decade-long chapter with the national team. However, speaking on the Bassey Talks podcast alongside current Super Eagles stars Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, he revealed that walking away has not completely erased his emotional attachment to the team.
“It feels like family” — Troost-Ekong
Although he insisted he is at peace with his decision, Troost-Ekong said what he misses most is not just football, but the dressing room bond and shared experiences with his teammates.
“More than anything, I miss being with the guys. I miss being with… this is family to me, you know,” he said, as quoted by The Punch.
He added that while he does not regret retiring, the emotional connection to the squad still lingers.
“I envision again like walking out for the first time… those games, those moments. But I have no regrets,” he said.
“I miss the team environment… when I see the team on TV now, my hands are itching like I want to be there with them again.”
End of an era after a difficult qualification exit
Troost-Ekong’s retirement came shortly after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 32-year-old, born in the Netherlands, made his Super Eagles debut in June 2015 under late coach Stephen Keshi and went on to become one of the team’s most dependable defenders.
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He was a key part of the famous “Oyibo Wall” partnership with Leon Balogun, a defensive pairing that anchored Nigeria for years.
Captaincy, AFCON heroics and legacy
One of his defining moments came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he captained Nigeria to the final and scored three goals during the tournament.
Despite Nigeria finishing runners-up, Troost-Ekong was named Player of the Tournament and finished as the highest-scoring defender in AFCON history with five goals.
He ended his international career with 83 caps, eight goals, an Olympic bronze medal from Rio 2016, and both AFCON silver and bronze medals.
While he may have stepped away from the pitch, his comments show that the Super Eagles bond remains one he still deeply values.