What Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong said about Ndidi, DR Congo, fatigue, World Cup ambition

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong says the squad is fully focused and motivated ahead of Sunday's World Cup playoff final against DR Congo, confirming that midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to feature in the decisive clash.

Troost-Ekong expressed relief that the confusion over Ndidi’s status had been resolved and welcomed the clarity around suspensions ahead of the crucial fixture. 

"I believe it's true that Wilfred can play tomorrow, which everyone is really happy about,” the captain stated. 

"So there was some clarification. I think that's all out now, so no surprises, and I think that we also understand clearly what it will mean for any player on the yellow card for the next game. So that's good to know.”

The defender emphasized that the Super Eagles know what is at stake and do not require any additional motivation beyond the ambition to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"The boys are, first of all, I think happy to be here competing on Sunday. There's no other motivation that we need. 

"We all want to go to the World Cup. So, it's going to be a difficult game. Congo also did well to get to the final here for Africa and we're really looking forward to it."

Having eliminated Gabon 4–1 after extra time in Thursday's semi-final in Rabat, Troost-Ekong believes the team has built confidence and resilience under pressure. He also expects a different style of challenge from DR Congo.

"Every game brings a new challenge. With Congo I know one or two players in the team, so yeah, I know they are a good playing side. 

"It's going to be a different challenge altogether. I don't think you can ever compare teams in Africa and also we have to adapt but at the same time I think we are also starting to create a clear identity and that's something that we want to continue to build on.”

The captain insists the team is driven by internal belief rather than outside expectations.

"We're not trying to prove anything to anyone. We want to prove it to ourselves and we want to be at the World Cup ourselves. So that's the real focus."

Troost-Ekong acknowledged that overcoming fatigue will be vital after their physically demanding semi-final.

"It's not easy when you play 120 minutes for a team to then come and play again in three days’ time.

"The team has really grown over the last months and we are ready I think for a high-pressure moment because that's what we've been under since earlier this year."

Nigeria and DR Congo will meet at Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan on Sunday, with the winner securing a place in next year’s Inter-Continental Play-Off and moving one step closer to World Cup qualification.

Wale Adejumo

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