'A bitter pill to swallow' - Troost-Ekong reacts to Super Eagles failure to qualify for 2022 World Cup

Super Eagles captain against Ghana, William Troost-Ekong has taken to social media to react to Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Ghana at the National Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday evening.

Thomas Partey's first half opener was cancelled out by Troost-Ekong who converted a penalty after Ademola Lookman was fouled in the box.

The Arsenal midfielder's strike would prove crucial as it sent the Ghanaians through on away goals following a goalless draw in Kumasi on March 25.

An apology has been issued by Troost-Ekong and the central defender admitted that the players are as frustrated as the Super Eagles fans following their failure to qualify for the tournament in Qatar.

The Watford star praised his Super Eagles teammates for their efforts and thanked the Sports Ministry and Amaju Pinnick for the roles they played during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

"To all Nigerians, on behalf of the team, we want to apologise for not securing the World Cup ticket," Ekong said on Instagram.

"Despite giving it everything possible, it wasn’t meant to be.

"First and foremost, as Nigerians, we share your emotions and we take our responsibility as a group.

"We sincerely thank the Nigerian fans for their overwhelming support, the NFF President who did everything possible to make the qualification happen and of course the Minister.

"A bitter pill to swallow but believe me we will be back better and stronger!"

This year's World Cup would have been Troost-Ekong's second if Nigeria had qualified having represented the country in the 2018 edition in Russia.

Igho Kingsley