Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has assured Nigerians that the national team will give their all in today’s crucial World Cup qualifying clash against Rwanda’s Amavubi.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference held on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the defender expressed confidence that the team would rise to the occasion.
“We are ready for our game plan. We have a good training session and I know my players,” he said, stressing that the squad is well-prepared and united in their ambition.
Troost-Ekong underlined that the players understood the expectations of millions of Nigerians, promising supporters that they would not be disappointed. He added that the Super Eagles’ determination to win was rooted in the bigger dream of securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We need to be serious to win the game tomorrow (today). My team is motivated and we have spoken about the gravity of the game tomorrow (today),” he stated, emphasizing that victory would restore momentum and belief in the campaign.
The captain reflected on the significance of representing Nigeria at the global stage: “I know how much it means to represent Nigeria in the World Cup. It’s a life ambition to play in the highest place in the World. All the players understand how important the match between Nigeria and Rwanda is.”
With focus and motivation high, Troost-Ekong reiterated that the Super Eagles would approach the match with commitment and composure. “We are focused, we will give our maximum tomorrow (today) and we will take it step by step. We have confidence in our preparation and are motivated. Now, it’s up to us to deliver on the pitch.”
Nigeria currently sits in fourth position in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers with seven points from six games, behind South Africa (13 points), Rwanda (8 points), and Benin Republic (8 points).
What You Should Know
As Nigeria faces Rwanda in this crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on September 6, 2025, at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Troost-Ekong’s rallying words underscore the high stakes for a team desperate to climb from fourth in Group C.
With only the group winner qualifying automatically and runners-up entering playoffs, a win could propel the Super Eagles closer to South Africa’s lead, especially after their 1-1 draw with Benin in June 2025.
Troost-Ekong, a key defender for PAOK in Greece, has been instrumental in Nigeria’s defense, but the team’s inconsistent form—three draws in six matches—has frustrated fans amid broader concerns over coaching stability under Augustine Eguavoen’s interim tenure following Finidi George’s resignation in July 2025.
Rwanda, ranked 131st by FIFA compared to Nigeria’s 39th, poses a threat after their 1-0 upset over Benin in March 2025, making this match a pivotal test of Nigeria’s ambition to return to the World Cup after missing 2022.
The encounter, broadcast on SuperSport, carries national pride, with Ekong’s emphasis on motivation reflecting the pressure to deliver amid economic hardships and public calls for football success as a unifying force.
