Troost-Ekong Urges Young Super Eagles To Learn From World Cup Heartbreak

Super Eagles captain and defender, William Troost-Ekong, has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s younger players will grow stronger from the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 

The 32-year-old and his teammates suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the final of the African play-offs held in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday.

Despite taking an early lead, Nigeria endured a tense 120 minutes of football at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium before bowing out — marking the country’s second consecutive World Cup miss after also failing to qualify in 2022.

Reflecting on the defeat, Troost-Ekong hinted it might be his last World Cup campaign but remained hopeful for the team’s future.

“I think the boys stepped up. It happens. They will learn so much from this moment, and I’m sure when the next opportunity comes, they will be better prepared to make a difference,” he told Pooja Media.

Since making their debut in 1994, the Super Eagles have featured in six World Cups — 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018 — reaching the Round of 16 three times (1994, 1998, and 2014). Nigeria has now missed out on the 2006, 2022, and 2026 editions.

In a statement, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) described the failure as a moment of deep sorrow for the nation’s football community.

“The NFF wishes to sincerely apologise to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of passionate Nigerian fans for the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals,” the statement read.

“We understand the gravity of this moment and the expectations of Nigerians. Our collective effort did not deliver the outcome this nation deserved.”

The Super Eagles will have a quick chance at redemption when they regroup next month for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 19, 2026.