Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has calmed Nigerians and urged them to keep believing after the national team’s World Cup qualification hopes took another hit following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe on Tuesday evening in Uyo.
After a morale-boosting win against Rwanda, fans believed the team had finally found its rhythm. But against Zimbabwe, those hopes were once again dashed.
The Super Eagles, despite taking the lead, failed to break down their opponents and conceded late, with a defensive error involving captain William Troost-Ekong playing a key role in the equaliser.
The result has left Nigeria in fourth place in Group C, with just seven points from six matches. The team has now drawn four, lost one, and managed only one win—a concerning record for a side with Nigeria’s pedigree.
South Africa currently leads the group with 13 points, while Rwanda sits second.
With mounting pressure from fans and critics alike, Troost-Ekong took to social media on Tuesday night to rally support and assure Nigerians that qualification is still possible.
“Responsibility taken. Same target ahead. We will do it together,” the Al Khoolod defender wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), accepting his role in the team’s defensive lapse while urging belief from the fans.
Notably, the Super Eagles captain was absent from the post-match press conference, an omission many have linked to his error during the game.
Now, with just a few qualifiers left, Nigeria cannot afford any more slip-ups. The Super Eagles must win their remaining matches and hope that group leaders like South Africa and Rwanda drop points along the way.
It’s a difficult road ahead, but Ekong’s message suggests the team isn’t giving up yet. Whether that belief translates into results on the pitch remains to be seen.
The Super Eagles have historically risen to the occasion when the odds are against them, and supporters will hope this campaign is no different.
