UYO, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong on Wednesday expressed optimism and determination as the Super Eagles prepare for the CAF Play-Off Tournament ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Morocco next month.
The three-time African champions secured their place in the play-offs following an emphatic 4-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, with striker Victor Osimhen scoring a hat-trick and substitute Frank Onyeka adding a late goal.
“We are quite happy to have that opportunity,” Ekong said. “It is a long route but it is a route after all. We would have loved to get the automatic ticket but it didn’t happen and we take what we have. For us, we will remain strong and tough and ready to confront every challenge on our way as we search for the ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
Nigeria’s 4-0 win was their best result of the qualifying campaign. However, hopes for an automatic qualification were dashed when Rwanda, in Group C, lost to South Africa, leaving Nigeria to battle through the play-offs.
Ekong reflected on the missed opportunity, referencing a similar scenario in 2005 when Rwanda’s late concession allowed Angola to advance instead of Nigeria.
In the upcoming CAF play-offs, Nigeria will face Gabon’s Palancas Negras on Thursday, Nov. 13, in what is described as the ‘first semi-final.’ The second semi-final will see Cameroon take on the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, Nov. 14. The winners will meet on Sunday, Nov. 16, with the victor progressing to the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico next March.
The intercontinental play-offs will feature six teams competing for two World Cup spots, including Africa’s play-off winner, Bolivia, New Caledonia, the winner of the Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, and two teams from Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Panama.
