On 5 December, Nigerian national team captain Ekong announced his retirement from the national team on social media, ending his nine-year national team career.
He said on social media:
"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."
After representing the Netherlands at U19 and U20 level, Troost-Ekong chose to switch his allegiance to Nigeria.
Olympic & AFCON medals, a World Cup appearance, and eventually the captain's armband, he gave nine years of service to the Super Eagles.
The Nigerian national team also expressed its gratitude and best wishes to Ekong:
"Naija will miss you TroostEkong , thank you for your service to the Nation skippo!"
