Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has dismissed any talk of retirement, affirming his commitment to the national team despite being one of the elder statesmen in the squad.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s AFCON 2025 qualifier against Rwanda, the 31-year-old insisted he still has much to offer.
“It is a question I get asked a lot by Nigerians, but I think it is a bit too early,” he said during a media briefing.
Troost-Ekong, who recently earned his 75th cap, shares the mantle of experience in the team with Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.
Among the trio, the Al-Kholood defender is the most senior.
Despite his age, he believes he is currently playing some of the best football of his career.
Troost-Ekong believe he is in his prime, sets targets for 2025 and 2026
“I am 31 now, and I think I am playing my best football in recent years. We are only talking about 12 months from now, so after that, we will see,” Troost-Ekong explained.
The former MVP of the last Africa Cup of Nations further revealed that his immediate targets include the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It will not be my decision; it will be up to the coaches. Once I feel I am no longer an asset to the team, I will have that discussion.
“But I still have some targets in sight—that will be the AFCON in 2025 and the World Cup in 2026. We’ll see what happens afterwards.”
Troost-Ekong is expected to lead the Super Eagles out at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for their final AFCON qualifier.
With qualification already secured, the team aims to finish the campaign unbeaten as they take on the Amavubi of Rwanda on Monday.
