Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a decade-long career with the Super Eagles.

The 31-year-old defender confirmed the decision on Thursday in an emotional Instagram statement, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent the country.

“Honoured. Grateful. Forever a Super Eagle. Playing for Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life… The journey may end here, but my support never will. Here’s to the next chapter,” he wrote.

His announcement came shortly after football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed the development on X, noting that Ekong was retiring after 83 caps, three medals, and appearances in five major tournaments.

Troost-Ekong, who currently plays for Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father. After representing the Netherlands at youth level, he switched allegiance to Nigeria and made his senior debut on June 13, 2015, in an AFCON qualifier against Chad.

He bows out holding a historic record: his five AFCON goals, the highest ever scored by a defender in the tournament’s history.

The former Udinese and Watford centre-back scored eight goals in 83 appearances for Nigeria, with his final outing coming as a late substitute against Gabon on November 13. His involvement with the national team had reduced in recent months under head coach Eric Chelle, who preferred youngster Benjamin Fredrick in central defence.

Ekong was named in Nigeria’s provisional 54-man squad for the upcoming AFCON in Morocco, but his retirement means the Super Eagles will head into the competition without one of their most experienced leaders.

The team is expected to open camp in Egypt on December 10, ahead of the tournament’s kickoff on December 21.