Super Eagles captain William Troost Ekong has vowed that the team will not give up on their dream of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the players are still determined to fight until the very end of the qualifiers.
Nigeria’s campaign has not gone as planned so far. The three time African champions currently sit third in Group C, three points behind joint leaders Benin Republic and South Africa. With only two matches left to play against Lesotho and Benin Republic, the Super Eagles are walking a tightrope, knowing that only back to back victories will keep their qualification hopes alive.
Troost Ekong, who has been one of the most vocal and passionate figures in the squad, believes the team still has enough quality and mental strength to turn the situation around. He emphasized that despite the pressure, the Super Eagles will not lose focus or surrender to doubt.
“We’re optimistic and we’re always going to fight till the end,” Troost Ekong said in an interview with the Super Eagles media team. “We believe in ourselves and in what we can still achieve. There are two very important games left, the first one on Friday, then we’ll return home to prepare for the final match. Our full focus now is on Lesotho.”
The PAOK Thessaloniki defender, who has led the team through several tough battles, noted that the spirit in camp remains high and that every player understands what is at stake. According to him, the Super Eagles are not allowing the standings to dampen their morale; instead, they are using it as motivation to push harder.
Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup has been filled with unexpected setbacks, a string of disappointing results that have left fans worried and critical. But Troost Ekong maintains that the team still controls part of its destiny. A victory over Lesotho would set up a decisive final game against Benin Republic, which could ultimately determine who tops the group.
“We know what Nigerians expect from us. We understand the frustration of the fans, but we’re not going to stop believing,” he continued. “We’ve been in difficult situations before and we always find a way to rise. This is not the time to lose hope; it’s the time to fight harder.”
Head coach Eric Chelle has been drilling the squad in training, focusing on tightening the defense and improving finishing in front of goal, areas that have cost the team vital points in recent matches. Reports from the Super Eagles camp suggest that the mood among the players is one of unity and determination, with senior figures like Troost Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, and Victor Osimhen leading by example.
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Lesotho in what could be a make or break encounter, fans across the country are hoping for a statement performance from their team. The players, on their part, are promising to leave everything on the pitch.
The mission is clear, win both remaining matches and hope Benin Republic or South Africa falter. It’s a narrow path to qualification, but Troost Ekong insists the Super Eagles still have the heart, belief, and resilience to make the impossible possible.
“We’re representing over 200 million people, and that alone gives us the drive to keep going,” he said. “We’ll fight till the last whistle.”
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