Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong was impressed with the team’s remarkable display as they sealed a 4-0 win over Benin Republic to qualify for the continental playoffs.
The Super Eagles kept their World Cup hopes alive with a convincing win over the Cheetahs in their final group C qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday.
The-three time African champions needed to win and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda to qualify automatically from the group.
However, Bafana Bafana thrashed the Amavubi 3-0 to clinch the automatic ticket, while Nigeria head to the playoffs as one of the best-ranked second-placed sides.
“I’m proud to be part of this team, part of this family. The boys are playing just like they do for their clubs. We need to keep supporting them”, Ekong said after the win.
“It’s easy to celebrate now, but it’s been a tough journey. Many said it was impossible, but we kept believing.
“We need to love the players for who they are and their efforts. We know when to work and when to relax.”
Read this: Osimhen nets hat-trick to keep Nigeria World Cup hopes alive.
Victor Osimhen netted an outstanding hat-trick, while substitute Frank Onyeka added a late fourth to give Nigeria a 4-0 win and advance to the playoffs.
The Super Eagles will now head into the continental playoffs in Morocco next month, alongside Gabon, Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo.
All four teams will play a one-legged semifinal fixture with the winners of both ties advancing to the finals.
The winner of the CAF final will then advance to the intercontinental playoffs final next year, to determine who qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We have an exceptional group and a big job ahead in Morocco”, Ekong added.
“Getting here wasn’t easy. We’ll take it one game at a time, and I believe we’re going to make it.”
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
