WQ:Troost-Ekong Praises Team Spirit After Nigeria’s 4–0 Rout Of Benin
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has hailed his teammates’ commitment and resilience following Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifying match in Uyo.
The result, achieved through a hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a goal by Frank Onyeka, secured Nigeria a second-place finish in Group C and a place in next month’s CAF playoff tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking after the match, Troost-Ekong praised his teammates for stepping up under pressure, describing the win as a reflection of the group’s growing maturity and belief.
“Responsibility is part of being in this team, and today many players stood up and took that responsibility,” the defender said. “It’s not easy to wear this shirt — it’s very heavy. Performing, getting results, and making everyone happy isn’t simple, but we’re all trying.”
The Al-Kholood centre-back acknowledged the challenges the team has faced in recent months, including the frequent coaching changes, but emphasized that the players have remained united and focused.
“There’s been so much change within this team — we’ve had four different coaches during these qualifiers — but the boys are adapting,” he noted. “It takes time, but you can see the progress with performances like today.”
Troost-Ekong also expressed deep appreciation to Nigerian fans for their unwavering support, urging them to remain patient and continue believing in the team as they head into the next phase of qualification.
“We have big work still to do in Morocco next month for the playoff, and then another big game in March,” he said. “We’re taking it step by step, but we should be proud of everyone. To get here hasn’t been easy.”
“I also want to thank all Nigerians who have supported us. Together, I believe we can do it — and I hope everyone believes with us now.”
The Super Eagles skipper reiterated the need for patience and consistency as the team continues to gel under head coach Eric Chelle.
> “The more time we spend together and the more we work with the coach, the better we’ll become,” he added. “We have big targets — the playoffs, the AFCON, and then hopefully the final push for the World Cup. The work is far from finished, but we’re improving every day.”
Nigeria now shifts focus to the CAF playoff tournament, which will take place from November 13–16 in Morocco.
The four participating teams — Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon — will compete for one slot in the inter-confederation playoff in March 2026, where Africa’s final representative at the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup will be decided.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
