'I have a thick skin now' - Super Eagles captain says he's learned to handle insults from fans

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has brushed off criticism from fans ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Friday.   

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Thursday, the experienced defender addressed questions about the backlash following the team’s previous result.

Troost-Ekong, who plays for Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, was asked whether he felt any pressure after facing criticism from fans following their last game, which they failed to win. 

In response, he made it clear that he has grown accustomed to such reactions.

"You see, me, I have a thick skin now. I'm used to the insults that come. I think if you want to play for a big country like Nigeria, we have maybe close to 300 million critics, 300 million supporters. I think we try to use that as a power," he stated.

Despite the scrutiny, the Super Eagles captain insists that he and his teammates remain focused and view the high expectations as a source of motivation rather than a burden. 

He revealed that he had spoken to his teammates about how they should handle external pressure.

"I say to the players—we had a meeting—that this pressure is a privilege. Whenever I have this badge on my chest, it means so much to me," he said. 

"When you want to do great things with a great team, that is part of it. So if anything, it is motivating for us."

With Nigeria needing a strong performance against Rwanda to boost their World Cup qualification hopes, Troost-Ekong emphasized that the team is focused on proving themselves. 

He stressed that while fans' opinions are important, the real pressure comes from within the squad, as they hold themselves to high standards.

"I think we have big characters in the team. You see that there's no extra feeling from the outside. 

"The only pressure that we have is within because we want to prove to everybody that we can do better and that we should be at the World Cup," he explained.

The former Watford defender also underlined the importance of staying united and concentrating on what truly matters. 

He made it clear that the players and coaching staff are the ones who dictate the team's direction.

"It only matters what the coach says and what we say to each other. Of course, we want to make our fans proud, but it's not something that we are worrying about for this game," Troost-Ekong added.

Nigeria will be looking to bounce back and secure a vital victory against Rwanda as they continue their journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

The Super Eagles captain's words suggest that the team remains focused and determined, despite external criticism.

With kickoff fast approaching, all eyes will be on Troost-Ekong and his teammates as they aim to deliver a performance that will reassure fans and strengthen their qualification bid.

Wale Adejumo

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