Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has warned his teammates against complacency as Nigeria gear up to face Zimbabwe in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening in Uyo, Footynaija.com reports.
Troost-Ekong helped the Super Eagles to a much-needed 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, Nigeria’s first win of the qualification campaign, which lifted them to six points from five games. However, the Super Eagles remain fourth in Group C with five matches still to play.
A win against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium would see Nigeria move up to nine points, significantly strengthening their position in the race for a World Cup ticket.
In Motion pic.twitter.com/sMwCtTQqs5
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) March 24, 2025
Speaking on Monday, Troost-Ekong emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and building on their performance in Kigali.
“We are looking forward to a win. The three points are important to us. At this stage, we cannot afford to drop any more points. Our aim is to take it one match at a time, collect three points here and there, and hope fervently that these will be enough to get us the ticket,” the Super Eagles captain told the NFF.
Nigeria endured a difficult start to their qualification campaign, failing to win any of their first four matches and languishing in fifth place. However, Friday’s commanding victory over Rwanda reignited their hopes of securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Troost Ekong; “We are still in the race.”
Do you agree with the Super Eagles captain?
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— Adepoju Tobi Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) March 24, 2025
Zimbabwe, currently bottom of the group with three points, will also be desperate for a result in Uyo. The Warriors arrived in Nigeria on Friday, led by ZIFA Vice President Kennedy Ndebele. They trained at the match venue on Sunday morning, while the Super Eagles had their session in the evening.
FIFA has appointed Eritrean referee Teklu Mogos Tsegay to officiate the encounter, with a team of compatriots assisting him. Ghana’s Prosper Harrison Addo will serve as the match commissioner, while Burkina Faso’s Paulin Ilboudo takes on the role of referee assessor.
Elsewhere in Group C, leaders South Africa (10 points) face second-placed Benin (8 points) in Abidjan, while Lesotho, now in fifth place, take on Rwanda in Kigali.