- The Super Eagles, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, are set to face the Benin Republic in a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier in Ivory Coast
- Troost-Ekong reassured fans, stating the team’s goal is to secure all three points, despite needing only a draw to qualify
- Troost-Ekong’s journey to Nigeria's national team was inspired by late coach Stephen Keshi, who influenced his decision to represent Nigeria over the Netherlands at age 21
With the Super Eagles on the brink of AFCON 2025 qualification, team captain William Troost-Ekong has sent a confident message, assuring fans that Nigeria’s goal remains unwavering; to secure a win against the Benin Republic in Thursday’s qualifier in Ivory Coast.
Speaking to the press, the experienced defender, who has become an iconic figure in Nigerian football, addressed any concerns over complacency,
“The match is not going to be an easy one because the Beninoise are also chasing a ticket to the final tournament. However, our objective is clear: three points on the night,” Troost-Ekong asserted.
Troost-Ekong although born in Haarlem, Netherlands, chose to represent Nigeria over his birth country at just 21 years old. On the Sports Afterparty Podcast, he recently shared that a call from the late Stephen Keshi, the renowned Nigerian coach, influenced this decision. Keshi saw Troost-Ekong’s potential at a crucial stage in his career, offering him the opportunity to play for Nigeria as the national team was transitioning and seeking fresh defensive talent.
“At the start of the season, I had played for the Dutch U19 and U20 squads, but there was no real perspective yet for the first team. The choice was between trying to progress and maybe having a chance later with the Netherlands or playing for the Super Eagles now, where they were looking to bring in younger defenders,” he said.
Since then, Troost-Ekong has blossomed in the Nigerian squad. His consistent performances and leadership qualities have earned him the captain’s armband on an interim basis, a role he first took on during AFCON 2021.
The 30-year-old Al-Kholood defender now holds the record for the most goals scored by a defender at the Africa Cup of Nations, with five goals, three of which came in a single tournament.
The achievement proved important and was further recognised when he received a nomination for the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award following his standout performances at AFCON 2023, where he also won the tournament’s Best Player award and his most recent award, the ANFA Special Award in Egypt. Looking ahead, Troost-Ekong and the Super Eagles are determined to leave no room for error.
The last encounter with Benin at the Stade Houphouet Boigny saw Nigeria fall 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup qualifier, a loss that remains fresh in the team’s memory. However, Troost-Ekong emphasised that past successes and challenges have prepared them for the battle ahead.
With Nigeria needing only a point to qualify, Troost-Ekong remains focused and undeterred, vowing to achieve victory for the Super Eagles and the fans who have stood by them.
“Ademola was unstoppable,” Benin’s coach Rohr voices out frustration in Super Eagles last game
Previously, TheRadar reported that Gernot Rohr, head coach of Benin Republic, candidly admitted his squad's inability to contain Ademola Lookman during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday in Uyo.
The Super Eagles’ 3-0 triumph was largely driven by the dazzling performance of the Atalanta winger, who netted twice to secure a dominant victory for Nigeria.
