William Troost-Ekong, captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has acknowledged that the team’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification no longer rests solely on the shoulders of Eric Chelle’s squad, according to Soccernet.ng.
The 32-year-old defender redeemed himself by converting a penalty against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, last Friday, following his unfortunate own goal against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the previous month.
The fate of Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hinges on a decisive 90-minute clash with the Republic of Benin. While a victory is essential for the Super Eagles, it does not guarantee automatic qualification.
Ekong Calls on Fans and Teammates to Rally Behind the Team
For Nigeria to secure direct qualification, Rwanda must lose to South Africa, and Nigeria must defeat Benin. If South Africa triumphs over Rwanda, Nigeria will need to beat Gernot Rohr’s team by a margin of at least four goals to advance to the playoffs as one of the best runners-up.
In light of this, Ekong has urged both the players and Nigerian supporters to unite and ensure a positive outcome at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo tonight.
“Are we hoping for a miracle? Anything can happen, but the reason we’re in this position is because of our hard work. It hasn’t been easy, but we will give it everything we’ve got.”
“We hope there’s enough in the tank for us to qualify. Every one of us is eager to be part of this journey. This is more than just a game; it’s history in the making. We all want to be at the World Cup so badly.”
“The only thing within our control is to perform at our best and take the match one minute at a time.”
“Some players want to carve out their legacy, while others aim to etch their names in history. They are fully prepared and determined to win,” Ekong shared during the pre-match press conference, as reported by ESPN.
“Throughout these qualifiers, it’s always been a tough battle, like swimming upstream.”
“I’ve told everyone I believe we can make it to the World Cup.”
“The chance is still alive, and we’ve worked hard to bring ourselves to this point.”
“We’re heading into this final game ready to give our all, and whatever the outcome, we will accept it.”
IT AIN’T OVER TILL IT’S OVER pic.twitter.com/ZLEA0PwMPL
– William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 10, 2025
“Tomorrow’s result might not be entirely in our hands, but we will strive to win.”
“It’s a challenging task to explain the pressure and emotions involved.”
“This isn’t a victory that the coach, the players, or I can achieve alone. It requires collective effort; everyone must rise to the occasion.”
“And naturally, I hope the stadium is packed. I want to see the fans show up and support us wholeheartedly,” Ekong concluded.
In their previous encounter in Uyo, Nigeria secured a 3-0 victory over Benin and will be aiming to replicate that dominant performance this evening.
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