Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has acknowledged that the Democratic Republic of Congo will present a formidable challenge in Sunday’s final of the FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Despite describing the Leopards as “a mountain to climb,” he expressed confidence that the Super Eagles possess the quality and mentality needed to secure victory at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan.
The decisive fixture carries enormous weight, with both nations—who boast five Africa Cup of Nations titles between them—battling for a single spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs.
Ekong, alongside Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Chidozie Awaziem, is one of only four players in the current Nigerian squad who featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Their experience, he believes, will be vital as the Super Eagles aim to take the next step toward securing their place on football’s biggest stage.
“There is no doubt that the Congolese will be a big challenge. They got here because they are tough and ambitious, and also want to go to the World Cup.
“However, we have a large group of players here, 24 of them, out of which only about four of us have been to the World Cup (in 2018). There is that adrenalin flowing in their system to go to the World Cup and I see it as a big motivation for us to conquer on Sunday.”
“We would have preferred to have taken the automatic ticket but it didn’t work out. Now, we are here and we have a second chance and we do not intend to bungle it.”
The winner will move on to contest one of the two remaining berths at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in Mexico in four months’ time.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye