Nigeria: Award-winning Super Eagles star accepts blame after costly Zimbabwe mistake

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has taken full responsibility for his error that led to Zimbabwe’s dramatic late equaliser in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The result, which leaves Nigeria’s qualification hopes in jeopardy, has sparked criticism of the experienced centre-back, who was caught out of position in the build-up to Zimbabwe’s goal.

The Al-Kholood defender struggled to contain Zimbabwe’s attack, and his lapse in concentration left goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with no chance as the visitors snatched a vital point.

Zimbabwe substitute Tawanda Chirewa ghosted past Troost-Ekong in stoppage time before poking the Warriors’ equaliser under goalkeeper Nwabali.

Tawanda Chirewa with excellent close control

Zimbabwe stun Nigeria with a late equaliser to give Bafana Bafana the advantage in Group C ⚽#SSDiski | #TotalEnergiesWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/pemAkmJske

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 25, 2025

Troost-Ekong, who won the Most Valuable Player award at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has apologised to his teammates and assured fans that the team remains focused on securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Responsibility taken. Same target ahead. We will do it together! Nigeria Super Eagles,” the 31-year-old defender wrote on Twitter, responding to the backlash.

Responsibility taken. Same target ahead. We will do it together! pic.twitter.com/aju2xQAlnc

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) March 26, 2025

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The draw further complicates Nigeria’s qualification campaign, leaving them in fourth place in Group C with just seven points from six matches.

Super Eagles keep the faith despite setback

Despite the disappointment in Uyo, Nigeria’s players remain optimistic about their chances of reaching the World Cup in North America.

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi shared a message of faith and determination on Snapchat: “We’ll make the World Cup in the mighty name of Jesus.”

Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina echoed the belief, posting on social media: “We will make this WC.”

Even William Troost-Ekong remains defiant despite Nigeria’s struggles, insisting that the team will fight until the end of the qualification campaign.

“Although we have three teams ahead of us, we are still on track. That’s the most important thing,” said Troost-Ekong.

“We could have done better, but we can’t change the past. We can only keep playing and see where we stand at the end of the qualifiers.”

At the end of the day, we are all humans. Admitting one’s flaws and taking steps towards correction is the way forward. Well done Captain. We are solidly behind the team regardless.

— LERRY (@_AsiwajuLerry) March 26, 2025

While the result against Zimbabwe was a tough blow, the Super Eagles are determined to bounce back in the remaining fixtures. The challenge now is to turn their confidence into strong performances on the pitch.

Elsewhere in Group C, South Africa took a major step toward qualification with a crucial 2-0 win over Benin Republic in Abidjan.

The victory was the only win recorded in the group on Matchday 6. Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe mirrored Rwanda’s draw with Lesotho, leaving the group standings wide open.

With six games played, South Africa lead the group with 13 points, followed by Benin Republic and Rwanda, both on eight points.

Nigeria sit in fourth with seven points, ahead of Lesotho (six points) and bottom-placed Zimbabwe (four points).

However, South Africa’s grip at the top of Group C could slacken with the Bafana Bafana mired in controversy.

The 1996 AFCON winners face a possible points deduction for allegedly fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho, a situation which could alter the standings.

With four matches left to play, the Super Eagles need a strong finish to have any hope of making it to the 2026 World Cup. They must capitalise on any slip-ups from their rivals and secure crucial victories to keep their qualification dreams alive.