Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has shared important updates and insights ahead of Nigeria’s decisive FIFA World Cup playoff clash against DR Congo.
The defender spoke to the official Super Eagles media team after the 4–1 extra-time victory against Gabon, addressing squad availability, the team’s mindset, and Sunday’s challenge in Rabat, SportPremi reports.
Ndidi available after clarification
Troost-Ekong confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to play after earlier uncertainty. He explained that the issue had been cleared internally and the squad now understands the yellow-card situation.
“I believe it’s true that Wilfred can play tomorrow, which everyone is really happy about. So there was some clarification. I think that’s all out now, so no surprises. And I think that we also understand clearly what it will mean for any player on the yellow card for the next game. So that’s good to know.”
Nigeria is fully motivated for DR Congo
The captain said the team needs no extra motivation for Sunday’s do-or-die playoff.
“The boys are, first of all, I think, happy to be here competing on Sunday. There’s no other motivation that we need. We all want to go to the World Cup.”
He also noted that Congo has earned their place in the final.
“Congo also did well to get to the final here for Africa. And we’re really looking forward to it.”
A different challenge from Gabon
Troost-Ekong explained that DR Congo will present a completely different test compared to Gabon.
“Every game brings a new challenge. I think also for Gabon, I didn’t think they were just low block. They were very dangerous in the counter-attack, which the boys dealt really well with. But I think, yeah, with Congo, I know one or two players in their team. So yeah, I know they are a good playing side.”
He added:
“You can’t ever compare teams in Africa. And also, we have to adapt. But at the same time, I think we are also starting to create a clear identity. And that’s something that we want to continue to build on.”
Focus remains on Nigeria’s performance
The captain said the team’s motivation is internal and not influenced by outside opinions.
“We’re not trying to prove anything to anyone. We want to prove it to ourselves. And we want to be at the World Cup ourselves.”
He said the players immediately shifted focus after the Gabon win.
“Directly after the game, in the changing room, we had a talk about this being a more important moment and having to rest, recover.”
Team growing under pressure
Troost-Ekong believes the team has matured under the intensity of recent fixtures.
“Our team has grown a lot over the last month. We’ve been under consistent pressure. But every time we come together, every game, I feel like the boys are getting more comfortable with that pressure.”
He acknowledged the difficulty of playing again so soon after 120 minutes of football.
“It’s not easy when you play 120 minutes for a team to then come and play again in three days’ time.”
“If we Don’t win on Sunday, nothing else matters”
The captain made it clear that Sunday’s playoff is everything.
“If we don’t win or we don’t get the result we want, Thursday will be a nice moment, but it will mean nothing.”
Nigeria faces DR Congo on Sunday in Rabat, with the winner advancing to March’s inter-confederation playoff for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
