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Troost-Ekong confident Super Eagles will qualify for 2026 World Cup
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team captain William Troost-Ekong has expressed strong belief that Super Eagles will secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following their emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday.
The result, powered by a Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a Frank Onyeka strike, sealed Nigeria’s place in the CAF World Cup Qualifying Playoffs, though it was not enough to earn automatic qualification from Group C.
South Africa claimed the group’s only direct ticket after beating Rwanda 3–0 in Mbombela.
Speaking after the match, Troost-Ekong praised the team’s resilience and unity through a challenging qualification campaign.
“Getting here wasn’t easy,” he said. “We’ll take it one game at a time, and I believe we’re going to make it.
“I’m proud to be part of this team, part of this family. The boys are playing just like they do for their clubs. We need to keep supporting them.”
The defender reflected on the team’s struggles in recent months and urged continued support for the players ahead of the decisive playoff stage.
“It’s easy to celebrate now, but it’s been a tough journey. Many said it was impossible, but we kept believing,” he said.
“We need to love the players for who they are and their efforts. We know when to work and when to relax.
“We have an exceptional group and a big job ahead in Morocco.”
Nigeria will face Gabon in the CAF World Cup Playoff Semifinals in Morocco this November, as they aim to book one of Africa’s final tickets to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
