2026 World Cup qualification not in our hands – William Troost-Ekong tells Nigerians

William Troost-Ekong Urges Nigerians: 2026 World Cup Qualification Is Beyond Our Control


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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.

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Ronwen Hayden Williams of South Africa, William Ekong of Nigeria, and Emilio Nsue Lopez of Equatorial Guinea during the AFCON 2023 Final between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire at Stade Olympique Alassane on February 11, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Photo by ImagoxSegun Ogunfeyitimi

Ekong Calls on Fans and Teammates to Rally Behind the Team

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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.

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“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.”

William Troost-Ekong and Samuel Chukwueze during Super Eagles training
William Troost-Ekong and Samuel Chukwueze during a Super Eagles training session. [Photo credit: IMAGO]

“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.

William Troost-Ekong and Felix Agu warming up ahead of Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda
William Troost-Ekong and Felix Agu warming up before Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. [Photo Credit: Super Eagles on X]

“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.”

“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.

William Ekong and Stanley Nwabali during AFCON 2023 Semi Final match between Nigeria and South Africa
William Ekong and Stanley Nwabali during the AFCON 2023 Semi Final between Nigeria and South Africa at Stade de la Paix on February 7, 2024, in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire. [Photo Credit: Imago]

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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