Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has urged his Nigerian teammates to draw motivation from Saudi Arabia’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Green Falcons’ achievement as a source of inspiration for African nations still chasing their places at the global showpiece.
Writing in his monthly Captain’s Column for the Saudi Pro League’s official website, he expressed hope that Nigeria could emulate the Saudis’ spirit and resilience as they prepare for next month’s play-off fixture against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco.
“Although our journey continues, I hope my teammates and I can draw motivation from Saudi Arabia’s achievement and compete alongside them on the world stage next summer,” he wrote.
Nigeria will face Gabon on November 13, in the first semi-final of the CAF play-offs at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. The winner will advance to the final on November 16, for a chance to book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation play-offs, which will determine the last two qualification spots for the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The Al-Kholood defender reflected on a month he described as “filled with renewed optimism and confidence” for both club and country.
“October gave us plenty to be proud of. Nigeria advanced to the play-off stage of the World Cup qualifiers, keeping our 2026 dreams alive
“Returning to South Africa to face Lesotho offered a perfect chance to respond positively. I converted a penalty to give us the lead, and we went on to win 2–1.”
Troost-Ekong said the nation’s belief was reignited by striker Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick in Nigeria’s decisive win over Benin, which helped the Super Eagles secure a play-off berth after a slow start to their qualifying campaign.
