Ekong: ‘No distractions, Eagles are focused on winning African playoff’
Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong has assured Nigerians that the team is focused on winning their 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon, despite criticism of their hotel accommodation. A video posted by midfielder Alex Iwobi sparked the complaints, but he later clarified he wasn't criticizing the organizers. Troost-Ekong emphasized the importance of World Cup qualification for Nigerians and highlighted the team's resilience. The team is preparing to face Gabon on Thursday, with a potential final playoff match against either Cameroon or DR Congo on November 16th. CAF has set rules for the competition, including extra time, penalties if needed, five substitutions, VAR availability, and a sixth substitution if the game goes into extra time. The winner of the final playoff match will represent Africa in the FIFA inter-confederation playoff in Mexico next year.