Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has reflected on Nigeria’s hard-earned 2–1 victory over the Crocodiles of Lesotho in Friday night’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane.
The defender opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 55th minute after calmly converting from the penalty spot. Substitute Jerome Adams Akor later doubled the lead 10 minutes from time to seal the win for the visitors.
Troost-Ekong Praises Lesotho’s Performance
Speaking after the match, Troost-Ekong commended the Crocodiles for their spirited display.
“I want to start by saying Lesotho played a great game. It was not easy to come here and win. I can understand their disappointment because they put up a good fight,”
the captain told reporters at the post-match press conference.
He also acknowledged the pressure the Super Eagles have faced throughout the qualifiers.
“The game was not easy. I think the coach explained it better the pressure has been on us since March, maybe even from the start of the qualifiers.”
Looking Ahead to the Benin Republic Clash
Nigeria will host Benin Republic in their final game of the qualifying series at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, next Tuesday.
Troost-Ekong emphasized the team’s focus and determination to secure another victory.
“We just have to focus on ourselves. We always want to do better. We have a team full of players with a winning mentality , we want to be at the World Cup,”
he said.
“The past nine months have not been easy, but now we have the opportunity with the game in Uyo. We know we need to score goals and win convincingly.
It’s going to be another big test, and we’ll be ready. We’ve been playing under pressure for a long time this is our final, and we’ll work hard to get there. Like the coach said, I’m proud of the team, and we’ll keep believing until the end.”
