Super Eagles captain, William Troost Ekong, has expressed confidence that his team will secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with two decisive victories against Libya. Ekong highlighted that the team sits at the top of their group, following a commanding 3-0 win over Benin Republic and a goalless draw against Rwanda.
Reflecting on the match in Kigali, Ekong admitted that the game was challenging, citing the difficult conditions and questionable decisions on the pitch. Despite these obstacles, he praised his teammates for their strong performance and determination. He acknowledged the team’s missed opportunities but remained optimistic, stating that on a different day, they could have easily scored multiple goals.
Ekong, who has gained significant experience playing for clubs in Italy and Greece, also dismissed concerns about the intimidating atmosphere at Rwanda’s Amahoro Stadium. He noted that the large crowd only served to energize the Super Eagles, who are accustomed to playing in front of passionate fans.
Looking ahead to the upcoming matches against Libya, Ekong affirmed that the team will approach these games with greater seriousness. He expressed hope that everyone will be fit and ready by October and that the coaching staff will face positive selection challenges due to the depth of talent available.
Editorial
We believe the confidence displayed by William Troost Ekong and the Super Eagles is well-founded. The team’s impressive performances so far, particularly the dominant victory over the Benin Republic, have set them up for success in their quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, as Ekong rightfully pointed out, there are areas for improvement, particularly in finishing chances in front of goal.
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The goalless draw against Rwanda may seem disappointing on paper, but context is important. Playing in challenging conditions on an away pitch, coupled with questionable decisions, can make any game a tough battle. Despite these hurdles, the Super Eagles showed resilience and determination, attributes that will serve them well as they face Libya in the next two matches.
What stands out about this team is their ability to maintain composure under pressure. The intimidating crowd in Kigali did not rattle the players, who instead used it as fuel to push forward. This mental toughness is a hallmark of championship winning teams, and it’s clear that the Super Eagles are on the right path.
Looking forward, the double header against Libya will be crucial. As Ekong mentioned, these matches will be approached with heightened seriousness. With the team’s depth and talent, the challenge will be selecting the best squad. We are confident that with the right focus and preparation, the Super Eagles will seal their qualification.
The journey to AFCON 2025 is far from over, but the Super Eagles have shown that they possess the qualities needed to succeed. We believe that with continued determination and improvement, they will reach their goal.
Did You Know?
- Libya has only qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations three times in its history, with its best performance being a runner up finish in 1982.
- William Troost Ekong was born in the Netherlands and represented Dutch youth teams before committing to play for Nigeria at the senior level.
- Nigeria has won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
- The Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, where the Super Eagles recently played, is Rwanda’s largest stadium with a seating capacity of over 30,000.
- The Africa Cup of Nations is the oldest continental football competition in Africa, first held in 1957.
