Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong says the Super Eagles are fully motivated and mentally prepared to overcome the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s decisive final of the FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament, acknowledging the challenge ahead but insisting that Nigeria has the quality to prevail.
The match, scheduled for the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan, will determine which African nation advances to the Intercontinental Playoffs, a final opportunity to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. With only two global slots available through the playoffs, Sunday’s meeting has heightened tension, pressure and rivalry between two nations rich in football history.
Nigeria and DR Congo hold a combined five African titles, reflecting a long tradition of continental competitiveness. For both teams, the stakes stretch far beyond Sunday’s result, as qualification for the expanded 2026 World Cup carries significant national pride and international visibility.
Troost-Ekong, speaking on Saturday, described the Congolese side as a formidable adversary. He said the Super Eagles are not underestimating their opponents, noting that the DR Congo squad earned their spot in the final through strong, disciplined performances marked by resilience and tactical maturity.
“There is no doubt that the Congolese will be a big challenge,” Ekong said. “They got here because they are tough and ambitious, and also want to go to the World Cup.”
The Super Eagles captain, who was part of Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup team in Russia, stressed that the current squad contains a strong blend of youth and ambition. He emphasized that only four players in the current 24-man roster have experienced the prestige of the World Cup, adding that this gap fuels a sense of hunger among the new generation.
“However, we have a large group of players here, 24 of them, out of which only about four of us have been to the World Cup,” Ekong noted. “There is that adrenaline flowing in their system to go to the World Cup, and I see it as a big motivation for us to conquer on Sunday.”
Team officials say Nigeria has spent the final days before the match focusing heavily on tactical precision, improved transitions and minimizing defensive errors—areas that have troubled the team in recent competitive fixtures. Coaches also stressed psychological readiness to handle the pressure associated with high-stakes qualifiers.
Football analysts believe the match could be decided by midfield control and defensive stability, with both teams known for physicality and compact formations. Nigeria’s attacking options, if effective, may play a decisive role, but Congo’s strength on counterattacks remains a major threat.
As anticipation builds, Nigerian supporters have expressed cautious optimism, believing the Super Eagles have the experience, firepower and leadership to overcome the Congolese challenge. For DR Congo, the opportunity to reach the global stage for the first time since 1974 provides its own powerful motivation.
Sunday’s clash is expected to draw significant viewership across Africa, with many seeing it as one of the most consequential international fixtures on the continent this year. The winner will move one step closer to securing one of the remaining tickets to football’s biggest stage.
