- Troost-Ekong says the Super Eagles are fully focused on beating DR Congo in the World Cup playoff final.
- CAF clears Wilfred Ndidi to play, giving Nigeria a major boost ahead of Sunday’s clash.
- Super Eagles enter the final after a dramatic 4-1 win over Gabon in extra time.
- Nigeria targets a return to the World Cup with Troost-Ekong insisting the team is “ready for pressure.”
Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong says nothing matters more to the team right now than securing Nigeria’s ticket to the 2026 World Cup, stressing that the squad is mentally ready for Sunday’s high-stakes playoff final against DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco.
Speaking to NFF Media, the central defender made it clear that the players do not need extra motivation. According to him, simply having a chance to qualify for the World Cup is enough to fire up every player.
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READ ALSO: Nigeria vs DR Congo: Super Eagles Set for Fierce Battle in World Cup Playoff Race
Troost-Ekong admitted the match would be tough but insisted the Super Eagles were prepared for whatever challenge DR Congo brings. He noted that the Congolese side reached the final on merit and would not be underestimated.
Nigeria received a big boost on Saturday after CAF cleared midfielder Wilfred Ndidi for the match. Ndidi had picked up what was believed to be a second yellow card in the win against Gabon, causing confusion over his eligibility. But CAF later clarified that he was free to play, easing concerns in the Super Eagles camp. Troost-Ekong described Ndidi’s availability as “massive,” saying the clarification ended all doubts within the team.
Nigeria booked their place in the final after defeating Gabon 4-1 in extra time. Akor Adams opened the scoring late in the second half before Mario Lemina dragged Gabon level in the 89th minute. The match went into extra time, where Victor Osimhen redeemed himself with two goals after missing a clear chance earlier. Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke also scored his debut goal for the Super Eagles, sealing a convincing win.
Reflecting on the Gabon match, Troost-Ekong praised his teammates for handling the counter-attacking threats and staying calm under pressure. Looking ahead to DR Congo, he acknowledged the quality of their team but stressed that Nigeria had developed a stronger identity and confidence over the past month.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Defeat Gabon 4–1 as Osimhen Leads Super Eagles’ World Cup Push
He added that the players had been under intense pressure throughout the qualifiers, but the experience had strengthened their mentality. According to him, the team immediately began preparing for Congo after beating Gabon, knowing there was no time to relax.
Troost-Ekong concluded by saying that Sunday’s match would require maximum focus, describing it as another defining moment for the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream.
