In a shocking turn of events, the Super Eagles and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are reeling from the emotional announcement of William Troost-Ekong’s retirement from international football. This stunning decision comes just weeks before the much-anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving fans and football authorities in disbelief.

The 32-year-old defender shared his tearful farewell in a dramatic social media video, quelling rampant rumors that his retirement was linked to Nigeria's dismal failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This gut-wrenching setback followed a nail-biting 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo, which has left the football community questioning the future of the Super Eagles.

Troost-Ekong, who made his debut in 2015 under the late Stephen Keshi, described his journey with Nigeria as the “greatest privilege” of his life. In an emotional message, he stated, “Today, I’m announcing my retirement from international football. A late call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life.” His heartfelt words have resonated with many, igniting discussions about his legacy.

Every time he donned the Super Eagles jersey, Troost-Ekong believed he was living a dream, stating, “Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams.” His departure from the national team raises eyebrows, as he leaves behind a rich history filled with 83 caps, five major tournaments, and a trove of records.

His farewell ignited a wave of tributes from teammates and football authorities. Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers dubbed him a “Legend,” while Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman chimed in, hailing him as a “champion” and a “leader.” Even CAF hopped on the bandwagon, declaring, “Legends remain, in their time and long after it. William Troost-Ekong. It’s been a pleasure, captain.” Clearly, the football world is feeling the impact.

Ironically, Troost-Ekong’s retirement comes just after he was named in Eric Chelle’s 54-player squad for the upcoming AFCON, highlighting the questions surrounding his decision amidst Nigeria's preparations. After representing the Netherlands at youth levels, Troost-Ekong made the bold choice to play for Nigeria, debuting in a 2015 AFCON qualifier against Chad and later leading the team at the 2018 World Cup.

The defender's most unforgettable moments came during the AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, where he scored three goals, including a pivotal header in the final match. His stellar performance earned him the title of the competition’s best player,an impressive feat for a defender, but what does this mean for the future?

With Troost-Ekong’s retirement, Nigeria now faces an uncertain future as they prepare for AFCON, drawn in Group C alongside Uganda, Tunisia, and Tanzania. The vacuum left by one of their most experienced leaders raises concerns about the team's ability to perform without him.

As the football community grapples with Troost-Ekong's departure, his legacy as a passionate player and captain will surely spark debates and inspire future generations of Nigerian footballers. But the question remains: Can the Super Eagles rise to the occasion without their star defender?