I still miss Super Eagles — Troost-Ekong

William Troost-Ekong has reflected on life after international football, admitting he still feels the absence of the Super Eagles months after ending his career with Nigeria.

Recall that the former captain retired from international duty in December 2025, closing a decade-long spell that saw him wear the armband, lift AFCON and Olympic medals, and establish himself as one of the defining defenders of his era for the national team.

Speaking during a roundtable discussion on the Bassey Talks podcast alongside Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, Troost-Ekong opened up on the adjustment away from international football.

While he maintained that he has no regrets over his decision, he said stepping away has come with a sense of emptiness when watching the team from a distance.

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“More than anything, I miss being with the guys. I miss being with… this is family to me, you know,” Troost-Ekong said.

“I envision again like walking out for the first time, walking out on the pitch, those games, those moments. But I have no regrets, and it was my decision to stop. Of course, I thought about it so much, so much went on in my head, but I don’t think I necessarily miss that part.

“I might do it again later, but I’m content. But I miss the team environment, and when I see the team on TV now, I have my hands itching like I want to be there with them again, to share those moments. But besides that, I’m good, guys.”

Troost-Ekong’s retirement followed Nigeria’s failure to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming shortly before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Born in the Netherlands, he made his debut under the late Stephen Keshi in 2015 and quickly became a central figure in defence.

Alongside Leon Balogun, he formed the partnership that anchored the Super Eagles for several years.

His standout moment came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where he captained Nigeria to the final and scored three goals in the tournament.

Although the Super Eagles lost to hosts Côte d’Ivoire, he 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 AFCON silver and bronze medals, leaving behind one of the most decorated defensive careers in Nigeria’s modern era.