William Troost-Ekong has written a heartfelt apology to Nigerians for the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the World Cup in 2022.
On Tuesday, the team was held to a dismal 1-1 draw by Ghana at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
The Super Eagles will not be playing in Qatar next November thanks to Thomas Partey’s first-half opener.
Troost-Ekong acknowledged that the players, like Nigerians, were all frustrated after the game.
The Super Eagles defender told Nigerians and football fans all around the world that the team would return stronger and better.
The 28-year-old Watford defender stated this in an Instagram post on Wednesday, where he described the setback as a “bitter pill to swallow”.
“To all Nigerians, on behalf of the team, we want to apologise for not securing the World Cup ticket. Despite giving it everything possible, it wasn’t meant to be. First and foremost, as Nigerians, we share your emotions and we take our responsibility as a group. We sincerely thank the Nigerian fans for their overwhelming support, the NFF President who did everything possible to make the qualification happen and of course the Minister. A bitter pill to swallow but believe me we will be back better and stronger,” he wrote.
As previously reported by Football411, the Super Eagles were unable to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after drawing with Ghana, allowing the Black Stars to clinch their spot with a goal difference lead.