FORMER Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has described Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a major disappointment, insisting the Super Eagles must treat the setback as an important lesson and make the necessary changes needed to return to football’s biggest stage.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that, according to PUNCH Sports Extra, Troost-Ekong made the remarks during an interview with SuperSport, where he reflected on Nigeria’s absence from the ongoing tournament in North America and expressed optimism about the future of African football.
The former Watford F.C. defender said watching African teams perform impressively at the tournament had left him with mixed emotions of pride and frustration, as he believes Nigeria possessed the quality to have made a significant impact had the Super Eagles secured qualification.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an inconsistent qualifying campaign, extending the country’s absence from football’s biggest tournament to a second consecutive edition.
Troost-Ekong said the disappointment of missing out has only strengthened the determination of the players to ensure Nigeria returns to the World Cup.
“I think the motivation has always been there. All of us are incredibly eager to see Nigeria back at the World Cup, and missing out again only increases that desire,” he said.
The defender maintained that the Super Eagles have the talent and experience required to compete with the world’s best teams, pointing to the growing maturity within the current squad.
“I would have loved to see Nigeria there because, when you watch the African teams performing so well, you cannot help but think Nigeria would also have put in a strong performance.
“Looking at the quality and talent within the squad, I believe they would have been ready. Many of the players have matured, and some also gained valuable experience at the 2018 World Cup.”
Reflecting on the lessons from the unsuccessful qualifying campaign, Troost-Ekong said Nigeria should treat the disappointment as a turning point rather than simply another missed opportunity.
He stressed the need for the team to carefully reassess its preparations before the next World Cup qualifying cycle begins.
“It would have been wonderful to see them compete, but I also think this serves as an important lesson. We need to reflect on our preparation and identify what needs to change in order to reach the next level ahead of the next World Cup,” he said.
Troost-Ekong also dismissed suggestions that the players lacked commitment during the qualification campaign, insisting motivation has never been a problem within the Super Eagles camp.
“The players will continue working hard, sharing ideas, and doing everything possible to improve. I have never felt there was a lack of motivation or commitment from the players. I simply believe there are several areas that need to change, and this time those changes will be essential if the team is to succeed,” he added.
While admitting that Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup continues to hurt, the former Super Eagles captain said the performances of African teams at the tournament have given him fresh optimism.
According to him, the gap between African nations and the traditional football powers is now the narrowest it has ever been.
Asked whether the ongoing World Cup could become Africa’s breakthrough tournament following Morocco national football team’s historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Troost-Ekong expressed confidence that the continent is on the verge of another major achievement.
“I think so. At the last World Cup, Morocco broke down those barriers and showed everyone what is possible. Based on what we have seen so far in this tournament, many African teams, players and individual performances have demonstrated that they can compete with the very best in the world,” he said.
“I am very hopeful that this could be the World Cup where an African team goes even further than Morocco did. If they reach that stage, hopefully they can go all the way.”
Looking ahead to Morocco’s Round of 16 clash against France national football team on Thursday, Troost-Ekong identified the Atlas Lions as the African side best placed to carry the continent’s hopes at the tournament.
He also praised the performances of Senegal national football team and Ivory Coast national football team before their eliminations.
“Morocco is definitely the first team that comes to mind. Senegal and Ivory Coast both did exceptionally well too, until their eliminations, and they were a bit unlucky,” he said.