Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong says the Super Eagles were frustrated with their first-half display despite beating Lesotho 2-1 in Polokwane to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
Troost-Ekong converted from the penalty spot before Akor Adams added a second on his debut to seal a hard-fought victory for Eric Chelle’s side.
Speaking afterwards, the defender praised the opposition for their effort and admitted the Nigerians had to dig deep after a slow start.
“I want to start by saying I think Lesotho played a great game,” Troost-Ekong said in an interview posted by NFF Media.
Ekong celebrating his 8th goal for the Super Eagles on his 82nd appearance. Photo Credit: Getty Images
“You know, it wasn’t easy to come here. We knew that from the start, and I can understand the disappointment and the frustration because they put up a very good fight.”
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The Super Eagles captain said the players were visibly upset during the break as they struggled to impose themselves.
“These kinds of games are never easy, and the coach explained that the pressure that’s on us has been there since March, maybe since the start of the qualifiers, and we just wanted to focus on ourselves,” he said.
Super Eagles starting XI versus Lesotho on match day 9 of the FIFA World Qualifiers in South Africa. Photo Credit: X
“It took some time to come out of the changing room [after the first half] because of the frustration, because we all want to do better always.”
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The Super Eagles stay third in Group C with 14 points, one point behind South Africa and three adrift of leaders Benin who won away to Rwanda.
Nigeria now face Benin Republic in Uyo in their final qualifier on Tuesday, a match that could determine their World Cup fate.
