Super Eagles defender and vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable decade with the Nigerian national team.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 32-year-old has decided he will no longer feature for the Super Eagles, a decision coming just weeks after Nigeria failed to qualify for next year’s intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.

Troost-Ekong had previously hinted that the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco might be his final outing in Nigerian colours, but he has now chosen to step away sooner. The centre-back enjoyed a stellar AFCON campaign earlier this year in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was named Player of the Tournament as Nigeria finished runners-up. He was also part of the squad that clinched bronze at the 2019 edition in Egypt.

Interestingly, the Al-Kholood defender was listed in Eric Chelle’s provisional squad for next month’s AFCON, making his retirement a major conversation among fans. With Benjamin Fredrick already ruled out through injury, Chelle faces the prospect of heading into the tournament without his most experienced defender unless Ekong makes a dramatic U-turn.

Troost-Ekong bows out with 83 caps across five major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and a bronze medal from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.