Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and star striker Victor Osimhen have sent a clear warning to Zimbabwe ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
“We heard that the Zimbabweans are being motivated to come to Uyo and get a result. They should forget it. Our focus is on securing our place at the FIFA World Cup,” Troost-Ekong said upon the team’s arrival at Victor Attah International Airport on Saturday.
The defender, who played a key role in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, stressed the squad’s determination to compete on the world stage.
“Apart from myself, Alex Iwobi, and maybe a couple of others who played in the 2018 World Cup, this generation is hungry for that experience. We want to make Nigeria proud and achieve our dreams,” he told thenff.com.
Osimhen echoed his captain’s sentiment, making it clear that the team is fully prepared for the battle ahead.
“We are ready. The remaining matches are wars, and we must fight with everything we have to win,” the striker declared.
Ekong highlighted the team’s victory over Rwanda as a strong statement in their qualification campaign.
“It was important to set the tone, and we’re pleased with the way we did it. The job is not done, but we’ve started our recovery well, and we must keep working hard,” he said.
While acknowledging Osimhen’s brace that secured the win, the captain emphasised the team’s collective effort.
“It’s not about individual performances. The victory was the result of teamwork and dedication. Everyone played their part, and that unity will drive us forward,” Troost-Ekong stated.
He also praised the contributions of debutants Tolu Arokodare and Alhassan Yusuf, who stepped up despite playing out of position.
Additionally, Ekong commended new head coach Eric Chelle, who secured his first win despite limited preparation time with the squad.
“We are adapting to the coach’s methods. We’ve only had two training sessions and several video analysis meetings. Today’s win is just a glimpse of what’s to come under Coach Eric Chelle,” he added.
Troost-Ekong, who ranks Osimhen among the world’s top attackers alongside Ademola Lookman, reflected on his decade-long national team career, cherishing the lessons he has learned from previous captains.
A win on Tuesday would take Nigeria to nine points, strengthening their position in the qualification race, especially if Benin Republic and South Africa cancel each other out in their clash at Abidjan’s Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
