Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi has praised the impact of captain William Troost-Ekong and described the news of his retirement as disappointing, SportPremi reports.
Troost-Ekong revealed on Thursday that he would be retiring from the Nigerian national team, putting an end to a decade-long career representing his country.
It comes at a difficult time for the team, with just under a month until the African Cup of Nations in Morocco, which commences on the 21st.
- Check this: Ilechukwu pays tribute to Troost-Ekong
The defender made over 80 appearances in the green and white colours of the Super Eagles, featuring in five major tournaments during the period.
The former Watford center-back was among the squad that won the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic football game in Brazil, before going on to play at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He also featured at three African Cup of Nations tournaments, 2019, 2021 and 2024. He won bronze in 2019 and captained the side to silver medal in the latter edition, where they lost to Ivory Coast in the final.
The 32-year-old was named player of the tournament for his inspiring role and ends his international career as the highest-scoring defender at the AFCON tournament with five goals.
Iwobi, as well as Ndidi are among the leading candidates to become the next captain of the national team ahead of the continental tournament later this month.
Iwobi hails Troost-Ekong’s impact for Nigeria
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi and Troost-Ekong played several matches together for the Super Eagles during their time together at the national team.
Now with the retirement of the captain, Iwobi hailed the impact of the Al-Kholood defender during his playing time for the country.
“Obviously it is a sad one for us because it is a big part of our team. But at the end of the day I wish him well, he is a brother he has helped Nigeria and me.
“I just hope that the next chapter he has in life goes well for him and we will all support him”, the Fulham playmaker admitted.
“Of course towards the end of his Nigerian career he wasn’t playing as much as probably he would like but he was still a big part of our team, his voice, the way he was leading us and the way he made sure the togetherness in the team was very high and very strong.
So he will be very missed, he was a big leader for us and I am sure we have other leaders that can follow in his footsteps but we all wish him well,” Iwobi continued.
On his participation at the AFCON
“God willing I stay fit. I will be there representing in the AFCON and also we would be fine for Nigeria and Wil as well. He would be there in spirit,” he assured.
Nigeria will compete in group C at the AFCON tournament which kicks off on the 21st of this month alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda
