Troost-Ekong Breaks Silence After Missing Nigeria’s Penalty Shootout Against DR Congo

17 Nov 2025, 13:54 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s World Cup heartbreak, saying he would have taken one of the spot kicks in the shootout against DR Congo if he had been on the pitch.

Nigeria fell 4-3 on penalties on Sunday, ending the country’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada. Troost-Ekong, who is widely known as Nigeria’s top penalty taker, watched the entire game from the bench and could only support his teammates from the sidelines.

His absence during the shootout stirred reactions among fans, many of whom believed players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman might have converted their penalties if they had remained in the game until the end.

When asked whether he was upset that he was not brought in during extra time, the 32-year-old centre-back was clear about how he felt. “No, I don’t think I was. I wasn’t frustrated, I just want to win this game anyhow,” he said.

Troost-Ekong explained that his commitment to the team goes beyond playing minutes.

“Like I said, my role is to support the team as much as possible on the pitch, off the pitch, and as you would have seen, there’s a lot of togetherness,” he said.

He admitted that he naturally would have stepped forward for a penalty if he had been on the field, but also pointed out that such moments help younger players grow.

“Of course, if I would have been on the pitch, I would have taken one, but it was also time for the other boys to get that experience. It’s going to serve them well in their careers and also for the future of Nigerian football,” he said.

Note that Troost-Ekong’s four of his eight international goals have come from the spot, a record that shows why fans expected his presence during the decisive moment.