Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has opened up on the crushing disappointment of Nigeria’s failed attempt to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the campaign as one of the most painful and humiliating chapters of his football journey.
The 32-year-old defender, who now plays for Al-Kholood in Saudi Arabia, revealed that the emotional weight of the qualifiers, marked by inconsistency, turmoil, and mounting pressure, left him battling feelings of “shame, embarrassment, and disappointment.”
“One of the Most Difficult Moments of My Career” Troost-Ekong
Reflecting on the campaign, Troost-Ekong admitted that the Super Eagles went into the qualifiers with full confidence. On paper, their group appeared favorable, and early expectations were high.
In his words:
“It was one of the most difficult moments in my career having to overcome that. Early on we were very confident that we would qualify when we looked at our group. The other teams in there weren’t necessarily the major teams in Africa that we normally talk about.”
But as the qualifiers progressed, Nigeria’s performances dipped. Points were dropped in matches they were expected to win, and confidence slowly eroded.
Ekong continued:
“When it started looking like you are not going to qualify… you get overwhelmed with that feeling of shame, embarrassment, and disappointment in yourself, but also for the team and, most of all, for all Nigerians.”
How Nigeria’s Campaign Fell Apart
Despite starting the qualifiers as overwhelming favourites, the Super Eagles never found stability. Costly draws and unexpected defeats left the team in a precarious position, forcing them to rely on late miracles.
A final-day 4–0 demolition of Benin Republic helped Nigeria snatch second place in Group C, securing a playoff berth only after South Africa was hit with a three-point deduction.
But the revival was short-lived.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes ended in heartbreak when DR Congo held them to a stalemate and eventually eliminated them in a penalty shootout, sealing the Super Eagles’ absence from the World Cup for the second consecutive cycle.
Focus Shifts to AFCON 2025
With the World Cup disappointment now in the past, Troost-Ekong and the Super Eagles are turning their attention to AFCON 2025, set to begin in Morocco in two weeks.
Ekong is expected to captain the squad as they aim to restore pride and rekindle belief among fans worldwide.
Nigeria will, however, be without highly rated young defender Benjamin Fredrick, who suffered a serious injury while on loan at Dender EH and has been ruled out of the tournament.
As a senior figure and one of the team’s most respected leaders, Troost-Ekong’s role will be central to helping new head coach Eric Chelle rebuild confidence, identity, and stability heading into another major continental challenge.
