'Step up' - Troost-Ekong sends rallying cry to Super Eagles teammates before must-win Benin clash

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has urged his teammates to raise their performance level as Nigeria prepare for their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday in Uyo.

Ekong, who featured for the entire duration of Nigeria's 2-1 win over Lesotho last Friday, made the appeal while speaking with journalists at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium ahead of the encounter.

The 32-year-old defender emphasized the need for unity, focus, and responsibility within the team, stressing that qualification depends on collective effort.

"It is a very difficult job if you describe that to anyone, understanding the emotion and pressure. So many different factors but I will try to bring it to what we can control," Ekong said at the pre-match press conference. 

"This is not a game that myself, the coach, the players can win for us. We need to have a shared responsibility, everyone has to step up, everyone has to take responsibility for the game tomorrow."

The former PAOK defender also appealed to Nigerian fans to come out in large numbers and cheer the team to victory, saying their support could make a crucial difference.

"And of course playing in the stadium, I will love to see it full. I think that would be a great encouragement for the team, the support that we need for the moment.

"We are playing for ourselves as well, we believe many times when people didn't believe in us, we will continue to do so. I hope that tomorrow everyone will appreciate that and support the team."

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, behind Benin (17 points) and South Africa (15 points).

To seal automatic qualification for the World Cup, the Super Eagles must beat Benin by at least two goals and hope South Africa fail to win their final group game against Rwanda.

Benin, on the other hand, only need to avoid defeat to strengthen their chances of topping the group and securing their first-ever World Cup ticket.

Adeyemi Adewale

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