By Ben Efe 15.10.2025
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong wished it was the Nigerian team that had the group C 2026 World Cup automatic ticket, which was grabbed by South Africa Bafana Bafana.
The Super Eagles and their fans had hoped that Rwanda will make their day by at least playing a draw in Mbombela, South Africa, but it was a one-sided game, and Nigerian fans believed that Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari must have been bought over. His performance was quite a farce.
Luckily for the Super Eagles Frank Onyeka fired home the fourth goal after Victor Osimhen had produced one of his greatest football moments by scoring a hat-trick. The result meant that the Super Eagles took one of the play-off spots after Burkina Faso another contender failed to get the goals that would have made the difference against Nigeria.
“It is a long route, but it is a route after all. We would have loved to get the automatic ticket, but it didn’t happen and we take what we have. For us, we will remain strong and tough and ready to confront every challenge on our way as we search for the ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
“It was a wonderful team effort on Tuesday evening. Everyone contributed; each person played their part. If the other match had gone in favour, we would be with the automatic ticket now. But that’s life. You take what you get and run with it, and make the best of it,” Troost-Ekong said.
The Super Eagles will be playing against Gabon next month. And they are expected to come up with their best game against the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang inspired team.
“We want to go to the World Cup and, to get there, we have to win games,” he said. “I’m very motivated, and when you have the chance to go to the World Cup, you have to be even more motivated,” Aubameyang said.
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