'I would have taken one' - Troost-Ekong admits bench role prevented him from taking a penalty

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has confirmed that he would have been among Nigeria's penalty takers, had he been on the pitch during Sunday night's 2026 World Cup qualifier playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a tense finish to extra time, the Super Eagles' defence came under relentless pressure, forcing coach Eric Chelle to make his final substitution.

Chidozie Awaziem replaced Tolu Arokodare, leaving Troost-Ekong, the team's designated first-choice penalty taker, unable to step up when the spot kicks came.

When asked if he was disappointed not to come on during the second half of extra time to take one of the spot kicks, Troost-Ekong emphasized the team's collective effort over individual glory.

"No, I don't think I was. I wasn't frustrated, I just want to win this game anyhow," Troost-Ekong told reporters in the mixed zone. 

"Like I said, my role is to support the team as much as possible on the pitch, off the pitch, and as you would have seen, there's a lot of togetherness.

"Of course, if I would have been on the pitch, I would have taken one, but it was also time for the other boys to get that experience. 

"It's going to serve them well in their careers and also for the future of Nigerian football."

Troost-Ekong praised the younger players for stepping up under pressure. 

"And I think those boys stepped up and it happens. They will learn so much from this moment and I'm sure the next time the moment comes, they'll be better prepared and hopefully that'll be a chance to make the difference."

Troost-Ekong has netted eight goals for the Super Eagles, four of which came from penalties in competitive matches against Lesotho, South Africa, Ivory Coast and Ghana.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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