Ekong urges Nigeria to adopt strategic approach following disappointing World Cup campaign

n n

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to adopt a long-term vision for the country’s football development following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

n

Troost-Ekong was part of the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign before announcing his retirement from international football in December 2025.

n

The Qatar-based defender was on the bench during Nigeria’s African play-off final against DR Congo in Morocco, where they lost 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.

n

DR Congo are set to feature in the intercontinental play-offs following the win. The NFF had protested their progress over the alleged use of ineligible players, but the petition was rejected by FIFA, with the federation now opting to appeal the decision.

n

With the play-offs set to begin in Mexico, Nigeria’s hopes of securing another route to the World Cup continue to fade. Troost-Ekong believes the situation should serve as a turning point for Nigerian football.

n

It will be the second consecutive World Cup the Super Eagles will miss, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.

n

“It’s a tough place to be. In 2022, we wanted to be in Qatar and missed out. We won our group but didn’t get past Ghana on away goals, which was really tough to take. This time, with more slots available for African countries, the strength of our squad and the magnitude of Nigeria as a footballing nation, there was a lot of pressure,” he told beIN SPORTS.

n

“I think the coach, Eric Chelle, has done a fantastic job turning around a difficult start because there was upheaval from the moment he took the job.

n

“There will be changes again. I have also retired from international football, and it was a World Cup I wanted to be part of. In moments like this, we have to take a serious look at the structure we have in place in Nigeria in terms of preparing for long-term success.

n

“When you look at nations that have done well from the continent, they have put the right structures in place for 10 to 15 years, rather than relying solely on talent. We need a clear long-term vision.”

n

Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and a Nigerian father. After representing the Netherlands at the youth level, he committed his senior international future to Nigeria, making his debut on June 13, 2015, in an AFCON qualifying match against Chad.

n

His tally of five goals at the Africa Cup of Nations remains the highest by a defender in the competition’s history and now stands as a lasting record following his retirement.

n

The defender scored eight goals in 83 appearances for Nigeria, with his final outing coming as a late substitute against Gabon on November 13, 2025, during the African 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final.

n n