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Khothatso Leballo

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong insists on the Super Eagles focusing on themselves as Benin and Bafana Bafana threaten their 2026 FIFA World Cup ambitions

Although third in Group C, the Super Eagles still have a chance of topping the table and earn themselves an automatic ticket to the global football competition. But it is not in their hands as they also rely on other teams, although their captain says their eyes are not fixed on their rivals who could decide their fate.

  • Kanalelo Rapuleng and Ademola Lookman, Lesotho vs Nigeria, October 2025Backpagepix

    Nigeria to fight to the end

    Nigeria beat Lesotho 2-1 to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    They remain on position three in Group C with three points fewer than leaders Benin.

    The Super Eagles now face Benin at home in Uyo in what is a decider, and captain William Troost-Ekong opens up on their approach to Tuesday's match.

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  • William Troost-Ekong of NigeriaBackpagepix

    Nigeria not worrying about Benin or Bafana

    “We just have to focus on ourselves. We want to do better always. We have team of guys who want to do better. We have a winning mentality, we want to be at the World Cup,” said Troost-Ekong as per Complete Sports.
    “The past nine months has not been easy. Now we have the opportunity with the game in Uyo against Benin Republic. We know we have to score a certain number of goals. We have to win the game convincingly.
    ”It is going to be a big test again and we will be ready. We have been working under pressure for a long time. This is the final for us, and we will work very hard to get there . Like the coach said I’m proud of the team, and we will keep believing until the end.”

  • Ademola Lookman, Nigeria & Jodel Dossou, Benin, June 2024BackPagePix

    Bafana & Rwanda could be kingmakers

    While Troost-Ekong insists that they are not focusing on other teams, Nigeria are forced to mind about what happens between Bafana Bafana and Rwanda.

    This match at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday could determine the Super Eagles' fate. 

    Troost-Ekong and his teammates would be praying that second-placed Bafana lose to Rwanda while they beat Benin by a three-goal margin to seal top spot.

  • Rwanda v South AfricaBackpagepix

    What comes next?

    Tuesday promises to be an eventful day with two matches taking centre stage in Group C.

    Results of the games between Nigeria and Benin, as well as Bafana and Rwanda, will determine the team that will go to the World Cup from this pool on an automatic ticket.