- Troost-Ekong Fires Warning as Super Eagles Eye Zimbabwe Clash.
- Super Eagles Gain Momentum After Rwanda Triumph.
- Zimbabwe’s $150,000 Incentive? Troost-Ekong Remains Unshaken.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has sent a strong message to Zimbabwe ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, following Nigeria’s commanding 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali.
With their first win of the campaign secured, the Super Eagles are now focused on their next challenge against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain alive, and Troost-Ekong is determined to ensure they stay on track.
Ekong declared confidently.”We read somewhere that the Zimbabweans are being motivated to come to Uyo and get a result. They should forget it,”
The Super Eagles captain emphasized that Nigeria’s primary motivation is securing a place in the World Cup, especially after missing out on the 2022 edition.
“We are hugely motivated by the ambition to play at the FIFA World Cup. Apart from myself, Alex (Iwobi), and perhaps a couple of others who featured in the 2018 tournament, this generation is hungry to compete at the highest level,” he stated. “We want to make Nigeria proud and, at the same time, do ourselves proud.”
Nigeria’s Victory Over Rwanda Sparks Renewed Confidence
The Super Eagles secured a much-needed win against Rwanda, courtesy of two first-half goals from Victor Osimhen.
The Napoli striker delivered a standout performance in his first World Cup qualifier under new coach Eric Chelle, boosting Nigeria’s chances of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Currently, Nigeria sits in fourth place with six points, trailing Rwanda and Benin Republic by one and two points, respectively, and table-toppers South Africa by four.
Also Read: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Osimhen Named in Super Eagles Captaincy Group
With the momentum shifting in their favor, the team has arrived in Uyo, ready to resume training for their next encounter.
Zimbabwe’s President Offers $150,000 Incentive—Troost-Ekong Responds
Ahead of the clash, Daily Post reported that Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has promised the Warriors a $150,000 reward if they can pull off a victory in Uyo. However, Troost-Ekong has downplayed the financial motivation, issuing a firm response to Zimbabwe’s ambitions.
Super Eagles Determined to Keep Qualification Hopes Alive
Despite a slow start to their qualification campaign, Troost-Ekong remains confident that Nigeria can turn things around.
“It was important to make the statement that we did, and we’re all happy about it and the way we did it,” he said. “I don’t want to go into the circumstances that made the first four matches go the way they went. The good thing is we can still recover and revive the campaign, and we have done that.”
With renewed determination, the Super Eagles are set to build on their recent success and maintain their momentum as they prepare for a must-win showdown against Zimbabwe.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming match against Zimbabwe is crucial for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification journey.
With renewed confidence, a revitalized squad, and a clear goal in sight, the Super Eagles are ready to fight for their place on the global stage.
As they gear up for the battle in Uyo, fans can expect a determined and focused Nigerian team, eager to prove their dominance once again.
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