Troost-Ekong: Eagles Ready for Leopards’ Challenge in FIFA World Cup Play-off Final

Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Ekong has declared that the Super Eagles are fully prepared to face the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s Final of the FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan.

The winner takes all encounter will determine Africa’s representative at the Intercontinental Playoffs, where two additional slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in Mexico will be contested.

Nigeria and DR Congo, who share five African titles between them, are set for a battle that promises intensity and drama.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Troost-Ekong acknowledged the strength of the Congolese side but expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to prevail.

‘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. 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 adrenalin flowing in their system to go to the World Cup and I see it as a big motivation for us to conquer on Sunday,’ he said.

Troost-Ekong, alongside Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Chidozie Awaziem, are the only members of the current squad who featured at the Russia 2018 World Cup. Their experience is expected to guide a youthful team eager to secure Nigeria’s return to the global stage.

Nigeria’s coach has all 24 players available for selection, with Alex Iwobi poised to win his 91st cap and Simon Moses set for his 87th.

Troost-Ekong emphasized that the team is united and focused on victory.

‘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,’ he added.

The match will kick off at 8pm local time, with the Super Eagles determined to overcome the Leopards and keep their World Cup dream alive.