Troost-Ekong Tells Super Eagles To Take Inspiration From Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Success

30 Oct 2025, 10:09 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has urged his teammates to take motivation from Saudi Arabia’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Troost-Ekong described Saudi Arabia’s achievement as a lesson in hard work and belief for nations still fighting for a ticket to the tournament.

In his monthly Captain’s Column for the Saudi Pro League website, the Al-Kholood defender said he hopes Nigeria can show the same spirit as they prepare for next month’s decisive play-off against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco.

“Although our journey continues, I hope my teammates and I can draw motivation from Saudi Arabia’s achievement and compete alongside them on the world stage next summer,” Troost-Ekong wrote.

Nigeria will meet Gabon on November 13 in the first semi-final of the CAF play-offs at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. The winner will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final on November 16, with a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs at stake.

The eventual winner of that round will earn a place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Reflecting on recent matches, Troost-Ekong said October brought renewed optimism and momentum for both club and country.

“October gave us plenty to be proud of. Nigeria advanced to the play-off stage of the World Cup qualifiers, keeping our 2026 dreams alive,” he said. “Returning to South Africa to face Lesotho offered a perfect chance to respond positively. I converted a penalty to give us the lead, and we went on to win 2–1.”

The Super Eagles skipper also praised the team’s fighting spirit, highlighting Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick in the vital win over Benin as a key turning point.

“The real turning point came in the second qualifier, where Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick inspired a vital victory over Benin, who had fought hard to defend their lead. That result rekindled the nation’s hopes,” he said.

Troost-Ekong also lauded midfielder Frank Onyeka’s late goal that sealed Nigeria’s progression to the play-offs, calling it a reflection of the team’s determination.

“The stadium erupted when Frank Onyeka struck in the dying moments to seal the win,” the Super Eagles captain said. “It was a proud team performance, a reminder of Nigeria’s footballing heritage, resilience, and exceptional talent.”

He went on to salute the Saudi Arabian national team, who became the first Asian side to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, saying their success is a sign of the country’s growing football culture.

“Credit must also go to Saudi Arabia’s national team for booking their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, their seventh appearance in the tournament’s history,” he said.

“The Green Falcons’ qualification inspired a football-loving nation and reinforced Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing homegrown talent, a passion well understood across Africa, not just in Nigeria.”