Nigeria defender Troost-Ekong announces retirement ahead of AFCON 2025

Nigeria's former captain William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international duty. He made the announcement on Thursday, only 19 days prior to the Super Eagles beginning their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations effort.

Manager Eric Chelle listed the centre-back in his initial 54-player roster for the tournament, set to start on December 21. The team will take on Tanzania in their first Group C fixture on December 23.

The player, who is based in Saudi Arabia, earned the tournament's top performer accolade during the last event in Ivory Coast. He netted the opener in a 2-1 defeat to the hosts in the final.

Troost-Ekong's last outing for Nigeria came during a 2-1 win against Lesotho in a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, held two months back.

He came off the bench shortly after in Nigeria's dominant 4-0 win over Rwanda, securing second place in Group C behind South Africa, who qualified directly.

With another shot at the World Cup via the top four African second-placed teams, Nigeria defeated Gabon yet fell to the Democratic Republic of Congo on spot kicks, leading to their exit.

In those Moroccan playoffs, Troost-Ekong remained on the bench throughout. Coach Chelle opted for Fulham's Calvin Bassey and West Bromwich Albion's Semi Ajayi at centre-back.

On social media, the 32-year-old, with 83 caps for Nigeria, described representing the country as the highlight of his career.

"My playing days might be over, but my backing for the team endures," he posted, concluding a decade with the Super Eagles.

Wilfred Ndidi, a midfielder from Turkey, assumed the captaincy from Troost-Ekong during the World Cup qualifiers in Rabat.

The three-time African champions will also meet Tunisia and Uganda during the group stage.

Group winners, runners-up, and the top four third-placed sides will progress to the knockout rounds.

In other news, Angola's head coach Patrice Beaumelle criticised a FIFA ruling that shortens training windows for the 24 teams travelling to Morocco.

The organisation's rule now requires clubs to release players from December 15, rather than the usual two weeks before the AFCON begins.

"FIFA pays attention to Africa mainly for votes, yet it undervalues our events like the AFCON and fails to honour them properly," the new French coach shared with Angolan press.

Angola, grouped in B with seven-time winners Egypt, past champions South Africa, and Zimbabwe, intended a camp in Portugal starting December 8.