National Teams
World Cup Playoff: William Troost-Ekong upbeat aboutNigeria’s readiness for DR Congo
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, has acknowledged the considerable challenge posed by the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff final.
Despite describing the Leopards as “a mountain to climb,” the Super Eagles’ skipper expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome the challenge and secure a place in the Intercontinental Playoffs.
The match at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat will be a decisive encounter, with both teams vying for the single African spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs, where two more World Cup berths will be up for grabs.
“There’s no doubt that the Congolese will be a big challenge,” Ekong told reporters. “They’ve made it this far because they’re tough, ambitious, and also have the same dream to go to the World Cup. They will not be easy to break down.”
However, Ekong remains optimistic, citing the strength and unity of Nigeria’s squad, which boasts a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. Despite the absence of several key players from the 2018 World Cup squad, Ekong believes the Super Eagles have a strong chance of triumphing.
“Out of the 24 players in our squad, only about four of us have World Cup experience (from 2018). But that gives us extra motivation,” Ekong said.
“There’s a lot of adrenaline and hunger in this team to reach the World Cup, and that drives us to perform at our best. It’s a big motivation for us to conquer on Sunday.”
Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup alumni, including Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Chidozie Awaziem, will bring their invaluable experience to bear on the field, but Ekong insists the collective spirit and ambition of the entire squad are key to overcoming DR Congo.
While Nigeria had hoped to secure an automatic spot, Ekong emphasized that the Super Eagles are determined not to waste this second chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“We would have preferred to have taken the automatic ticket, but it didn’t work out that way,” he admitted.
“Now, we’re here with a second chance, and we have no intention of bungling it. We’re ready to give everything for the win.”
As the final whistle nears, the Super Eagles know the magnitude of the task at hand.
With both nations having won a combined five Africa Cup of Nations titles, this encounter promises to be a battle of footballing giants, with Africa’s sole ticket to the Intercontinental Playoffs on the line.
