Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong says Sunday’s World Cup playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo will demand absolute focus and intensity from Nigeria’s players, insisting that every game brings a new challenge.
The centre-back, speaking to the team’s media department, said the squad is fully locked in ahead of the decisive clash in Rabat, stressing that the desire to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains their strongest driving force. “The boys are happy to be here, to be competing on Sunday. There is no other motivation needed,” he said. “We all want to go to the World Cup.”
Nigeria booked their place in the final after dispatching Gabon 4–1 in Thursday’s semi-final, a performance Troost-Ekong described as hard-earned. He noted that the Panthers troubled the Super Eagles with their counter-attacking pace, but praised his teammates for showing maturity under pressure.
Congo, meanwhile, stunned Cameroon 1–0 in the other semi-final, setting up a showdown many analysts now consider the toughest test yet for Nigeria in the playoff series. Troost-Ekong acknowledged the threat, describing Sebastian Desabre’s squad as a well-drilled and unpredictable side. “Congo also did well to get to the final. I know one or two players in their team. They are a good side, and it’s going to be a different challenge entirely,” he said.
The Nigeria captain maintained that the stakes are high, warning against complacency and emphasising that the team must adapt quickly to Congo’s style of play. “I don’t think we can compare them to other teams in Africa, but we have to adapt,” he added.
