Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has assured that the team remains determined and unfazed by criticism despite their recent struggles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes hang in the balance after a poor start, securing just three points from four matches against Benin, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
This underwhelming performance has drawn heavy backlash from fans, with many expressing their frustration on social media.
Troost-Ekong says the team is used to the insults as we have over 300m critics & supporters in Nigeria. #PoojaInRwanda pic.twitter.com/9pad4Aimpo
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 20, 2025
Addressing the growing criticism in the Pre Match press conference, Troost-Ekong insisted that the players are focused on internal expectations rather than external pressure from fans.
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“We have thick skin now. I’m used to the insults that come. If you want to play for Nigeria, a country with nearly 300 million critics and supporters, you have to use that as motivation,” Troost-Ekong said.
“I told the players in our meeting that this pressure is a privilege. Wearing the Super Eagles badge means so much to me, and when you aim to achieve greatness with a great team, pressure comes with it.
Ekong won AFCON 2024 MVP. (Photo Credit Getty Images)
“We have big characters in the squad. There’s no extra pressure from outside; the only pressure we feel is from within because we want to prove ourselves and show that we belong at the World Cup. What truly matters is what the coach says and what we tell each other.”
The team, however, has an opportunity to revive their campaign in the upcoming qualifiers against Rwanda on Friday and Zimbabwe next Tuesday. With many of the current players yet to feature in a World Cup, the pressure is mounting for a crucial victory to restore confidence and keep their qualification hopes alive.
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A win against Rwanda would be a significant boost for the Super Eagles, helping to ease the pressure and restore fan confidence.
