Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has opened up on the emotional and mental weight that comes with wearing the famous green and white jersey, following Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Despite the jubilation that followed Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s late strike, Troost-Ekong’s post-match reflections offered a deeper glimpse into the mindset of a team that has endured criticism, pressure, and expectation throughout the qualifying campaign.
Troost-Ekong: “It’s not easy to wear Super Eagles shirt — it’s very heavy”
Speaking with visible emotion after the game, Troost-Ekong described the pride and pressure of representing Nigeria, reminding fans that being a Super Eagle comes with enormous responsibility.
“It’s not easy to wear this shirt — it’s very heavy,” Troost-Ekong noted. “It’s not easy to perform and get the results and make everyone happy. But we’re all trying. Sometimes that’s not good enough, but one thing we can always say about this team is that we always give everything.
It’s easy to celebrate good moments, but these last months have been really tough. We kept believing when many people said it was impossible. We have exceptional players and a special generation. We just need a bit of patience because we’ll continue to improve with time.”
The Nigeria vs Benin clash was more than a game — it was redemption. After a turbulent start to the World Cup qualifiers, the team had faced fierce criticism, from defensive lapses to social media distractions.
But on this night, Eric Chelle’s men delivered a complete performance that silenced the doubts and reignited belief across the country.
Troost-Ekong’s words struck a chord because they went beyond football. They spoke to the shared national emotion — the weight of expectation, the pride of the shirt, and the unrelenting hope of 270 million Nigerians who live and breathe the Super Eagles’ journey.
Troost-Ekong praises Osimhen, Onyeka, and the new team spirit
The veteran defender also praised Victor Osimhen, calling him “a leader through performance,” while applauding the impact of players who stepped up when it mattered most.
“We have exceptional players. We have a special generation,” Troost-Ekong said. “Frank Onyeka came on and made a difference. That’s what this team is about — everyone is ready to fight for the badge.”
Under Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have rediscovered their rhythm, blending resilience with attacking flair.
The win over Benin not only secured Nigeria’s place in the CAF play-offs but also redefined their narrative heading into the next round.
For Troost-Ekong, it was also personal. Having faced earlier criticism for costly errors in previous qualifiers, his leadership and composure on this night showed why he remains a key voice in the dressing room — steady, experienced, and emotionally in tune with what the Super Eagles represent.
Belief restored ahead of the World Cup play-offs
As Nigeria prepares for a crucial clash against Gabon in the play-offs, Troost-Ekong’s message of unity and belief feels timely.
“We already believe in each other,” he said. “Now we just need everyone to believe in us too.”
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