SUPER Eagles’ captain, William Troost-Ekong, has acknowledged that facing the Democratic Republic of Congo in today’s final of the FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament will be a tough challenge.
However, he expressed confidence that the Super Eagles have what it takes to triumph at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan.
The ICIR reports that both nations, with five African titles between them, will battle in a decisive encounter that will determine Africa’s representative at the Intercontinental Playoffs, where two additional spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico are up for grabs.
“There is no doubt that the Congolese will be a big challenge. They got here because they are tough and ambitious, and also want to go to the World Cup,” Ekong said.
“However, we have a large group of players here, 24 of them, out of which only about four of us have been to the World Cup (in 2018). There is that adrenaline flowing in their system to go to the World Cup, and I see it as a big motivation for us to conquer,” he added.
The national team advanced to the final playoff round to face the winner of the Cameroon–Democratic Republic of Congo clash after defeating Gabon 4-1 on Thursday, November 12.
Only four members of Nigeria’s current squad, William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Chidozie Awaziem, were part of the team that competed at the 2018 World Cup.
Coach Éric Chelle’s side, however, boasts several outstanding players, including Spain-based Cédric Bakambu, France-based Nathaniel Mbuku, former Russia U21 star Theo Bongonda, and Egypt’s Pyramid-based Fiston Mayele. Midfield responsibilities are expected to be handled by English Premier League’s Noah Sadiki and Spain-based Charles Pickel. At the same time, attack-minded Aaron Wan-Bissaka leads a tight defensive line anchored by captain Chancel Mbemba, who is set to earn his 101st cap.
Chelle has all 24 players available for selection, including Iwobi, who will secure his 91st cap, and Moses Simon, on course for his 87th. Ekong confirmed that the squad is fully focused on securing victory on Sunday evening.
“We would have preferred to have taken the automatic ticket, but it didn’t work out. Now, we are here and we have a second chance and we do not intend to bungle it.” Ekong stated.
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org