Troost-Ekong dismisses retirement talks

 Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has vehemently dismissed any talk of retirement amid rumours that the Al-Kholood defender may quit the national team after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Despite being just 31 years old, Troost-Ekong is the oldest player in the team, with Moses Simon (29) the second oldest, while Alex Iwobi, who is 28, is the third oldest player in the current squad.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday ahead of Monday’s (today) Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Troost-Ekong, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast, affirmed his commitment to the national team.

“It is a question I get asked a lot by Nigerians, but I think it is a bit too early,” he said.

He continued, “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.

“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 could add to his 75 international caps when the Eagles host the Amavubi today in their final game of the qualifiers.

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