Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has sent a clear message ahead of Nigeria’s crucial FIFA World Cup playoff clash against DR Congo.
Speaking to the team’s media, Ekong expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, insisting that the team’s focus is solely on proving themselves on the pitch, Footballrover reports.
With the Super Eagles aiming to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup, every player knows the stakes are high.
Troost-Ekong Confirms Key Players Are Ready
“I believe it’s true that Wilfred Ndidi can play tomorrow, which everyone is really happy about. So there was some clarification. I think that’s all out now, so no surprises. And I think we also understand clearly what it will mean for any player on the yellow card for the next game. So that’s good to know. And secondly, the boys are, first of all, I think, happy to be here competing on Sunday.”
The Super Eagles have been navigating pressure since earlier this year, and Troost-Ekong emphasised the team’s unity and determination.
“There’s no other motivation that we need. We all want to go to the World Cup. So it’s going to be a difficult game,” he said, acknowledging both the challenge and opportunity that come with the playoff stage.
Identity and Challenge: The Super Eagles’ Focus
“Congo also did well to get to the final here for Africa. And we’re really looking forward to it. I think every game brings a new challenge.
I think also for Gabon, I didn’t think they were just low block. They were very dangerous in the counter-attack, which the boys dealt really well with. But I think, yeah, with Congo, I know one or two players in their team,” Ekong said.
The defender added that:
“I know they are a good playing side. So it’s going to be a different challenge altogether. I don’t think you can ever compare teams in Africa. And also, we have to adapt. But at the same time, I think we are also starting to create a clear identity. And that’s something that we want to continue to build on.”
Troost-Ekong’s words paint a picture of a team that is evolving. The Super Eagles are not just relying on talent but also building a defined style of play.
“And it will be an interesting game on Sunday for sure. I think last game, we sent a really clear message from the team. And we’re hoping to do the same now.”
Proving Themselves Under Pressure
“We’re not trying to prove anything to anyone. We want to prove it to ourselves. And we want to be at the World Cup ourselves. So that’s the real focus. I think after that game, there still won’t be time to really talk about achieving anything yet because there will be something else to face in March. But even I don’t want to talk about that yet because I think Sunday itself is going to be a big challenge,” Ekong noted.
Facing DR Congo will test Nigeria’s mettle, but Troost-Ekong believes the team is prepared for high-pressure moments.
“The team has really grown a lot over the last month. We’ve been under consistent pressure. But every time we come together, every game, I feel like the boys are getting more comfortable with that pressure. And there hasn’t been any chance for us to make up anything if we made a mistake.”
He stressed that:
“The same now goes for Sunday, and directly after the game in the changing room, we had a talk about this being a more important moment and having to rest and recover. It’s not easy when you play 120 minutes for a team to then come and play again in three days’ time. But the focus has always been on this game because that’s what matters. If we don’t win or we don’t get the result we want in that sense, Thursday will be a nice moment, but it will mean nothing.”
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