Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up about Troost-Ekong and his sudden exit from the Super Eagles, calling the moment emotional for everyone in the camp as the team prepares for AFCON 2025.

Troost-Ekong confirmed his international retirement after earning 83 caps, stepping away just two weeks before Nigeria begins its AFCON campaign, Footballrover reports.

Alex Iwobi reflects on Troost-Ekong’s presence in the Super Eagles

His name had appeared on the 54-man provisional squad list, making the announcement even more surprising.

In an interview with SportyTV’s Kelechi, Alex Iwobi expressed how deeply the news affected the team, describing the 32-year-old former captain as a key figure both on and off the pitch.

“Obviously it is a sad one for us because he is a big part of our team. But at the end of the day I wish him well; he is a brother, and he has helped Nigeria and me,” he said.

“I just hope that the next chapter he has in life goes well for him, and we will all support him.”

“His voice” and more — Iwobi details what he will miss

When asked whether Troost-Ekong’s absence would leave a gap, Iwobi admitted that the defender was not featuring regularly toward the end of his Super Eagles career, but his leadership carried enormous weight.

“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,” Iwobi said.

The midfielder went on to describe Troost-Ekong as a commanding presence in the dressing room.

“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,” he added.

As one of the senior squad members, Alex Iwobi also spoke about stepping into greater responsibility heading into AFCON 2025.

“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 face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C when the tournament kicks off on December 23.

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Last Updated on December 5, 2025 2:47 pm by footballrover