Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has publicly addressed Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying heartbreak, revealing he would have stepped up for a penalty kick against DR Congo had he been on the pitch. The defender watched from the sidelines as Nigeria fell 4-3 in the shootout, ending their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes.
Troost-Ekong, recognized as Nigeria’s most reliable penalty taker, supported teammates throughout the match from the bench. His absence during the decisive moments sparked fan debates about potential missed opportunities. Many supporters believed established players could have converted crucial spot kicks.
When questioned about potential frustration over his unused substitute status, the 32-year-old center-back responded: “No, I wasn’t frustrated. I simply wanted victory however it came.” He emphasized his broader leadership role extends beyond playing time.
“My duty involves supporting the team both on and off the field,” Troost-Ekong stated. “As everyone witnessed, our squad maintains strong unity regardless of circumstances.”
The captain acknowledged he naturally would have volunteered for penalty duty if participating. However, he framed the situation as valuable experience for emerging talents: “This moment offers growth opportunities for younger players. Such high-pressure situations will benefit their careers and Nigerian football’s future development.”
Notably, four of Troost-Ekong’s eight international goals originated from penalty kicks, underscoring why fans anticipated his involvement during the critical shootout.
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