Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to secure a positive result against Benin in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
The team is eager to bounce back after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Benin in June during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite Nigeria’s attacking strength, the Super Eagles are wary of Benin, led by a coach familiar with Nigerian players.
The squad has been bolstered by the return of key players, including striker Victor Osimhen and defender Mr Troost-Ekong, both back in action for the first time since the AFCON final against Côte d’Ivoire after missing recent friendlies and World Cup qualifiers.
Ahead of the match at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Mr Troost-Ekong emphasised that the team has learned from past mistakes and is fully prepared for the challenge.
“We’re more ready this time,” Mr Troost-Ekong told sports reporter Modo Victor.
“Losing to Benin in June was tough, but good teams face difficult moments. We respect Benin and our former coach Gernot Rohr, but we are better prepared and more motivated now. We’ve learned from our mistakes, and while the games against Benin and Rwanda won’t be easy, I have great belief in this team,” he said.
Mr Troost-Ekong added that the team is focused on giving their best effort.
He said, “In football, nothing is guaranteed, but our best will be more than enough to win the game.”
A win for Nigeria would place them at the top of Group D, overtaking Rwanda and Libya, who played to a 1-1 draw earlier in the week.
