'Every player wants to play' - Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong says he's more nervous on the bench

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has opened up about the emotions that come with watching from the sidelines, admitting he often feels more nervous on the bench than when he is on the pitch.

Speaking ahead of Nigeria's crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash, Troost-Ekong said the experience of not being directly involved in the action makes him restless, but he remains committed to contributing in every way possible.

"It's slightly different. I think I am probably more nervous when I am on the bench because you don't feel like you can affect something. I can imagine if you are sitting in the stands, it's even more than that," he said at a press conference on Saturday. 

Despite the nerves, the 32-year-old defender emphasised the importance of leadership beyond playing minutes, noting that his role extends to guiding the younger players and supporting the coaching crew.

"I try to contribute and give my best. I feel that's all I can do and I'm always ready for the opportunity to get on the pitch," he said.

"I also know players are looking at me and seeing how I behave. You have to be a leader from the side. 

"I try to effect as much as I can, try and help the boys vocally, be there for the coach, also to share my experience because he has been in this team coming up to a year in a few months."

Troost-Ekong, who has been part of the national team setup for nearly a decade, said he considers it a duty to pass down his knowledge, especially with the current technical crew still relatively new.

"There are some other things I know that I can share and I feel like if I can't do that I'll be missing the opportunity to make the team better," he said.

The Nigerian International stressed that while every player desires to start, contributions from the bench often prove decisive, citing recent examples within the squad.

"Of course every player wants to play and I come here, I want to play, I want to be part of the team, and I prepare for that, so whenever that moment comes, I'm ready," he explained.

"However, if you don't, you also have an important part. We've seen it now consistently, even in the last games against Benin, Frank coming on and scoring the winner, Ejuke making the difference."

"It's not always the same players, you need more than 11, and that's part of the unity of our group. I'm ready for playing and not playing, but I still want to win the game. All of us have a contribution to make."

He added that unity within the group remains the team's biggest strength, and whether he plays or not, his focus remains on the collective goal.

"Also from my perspective, I have always being quite vocal. I can still do that from the side, and if not pass the message to the players on the pitch who can then pass the message again.

"If they win, we win, it's all together. At the end of the day we just want to be at the World Cup, and all of us will take any role to be part of that."

Nigeria face DR Congo on Sunday in the final of the crucial encounter of the World Cup playoff tie.

Adeyemi Adewale

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