As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to soar into the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, captain William Troost-Ekong radiates a sense of renewed purpose fueled by past hardships.
The Saudi Arabia-based defender, who plays for Al-Kholood, acknowledges the lessons learned from a painful defeat in the final during the last edition in Côte d’Ivoire. He emphasizes that this time around, the team is entering the tournament with stronger resolve and valuable experience.
Speaking exclusively to CAFOnline.com, Troost-Ekong described the atmosphere in the dressing room as electric, filled with anticipation for another opportunity to claim the coveted AFCON trophy.
“This year has been quite tough with all the qualification games, but it’s been amazing to end the group on a positive note. The last AFCON left a lasting impression on all of us. We’re all excited to have another chance,” he stated.
The Super Eagles are acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead, with Troost-Ekong steering clear of any declarations of being clear favorites. He pointed out the formidable competition from host nation Morocco and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, among others. “You can’t win a tournament with expectations, and we won’t get complacent,” he remarked, reinforcing the idea that every match will demand respect and focus.
Reflecting on their previous final appearance, Troost-Ekong admitted that the grandeur of the occasion might have overwhelmed the team. “We should have focused more on our gameplay rather than the enormity of the final,” he recalled. This time, however, he believes the squad is better prepared mentally and technically, ready to learn from prior mistakes.
The captain highlighted the importance of heart, togetherness, and maintaining momentum as key ingredients to success in the tournament. He shared that AFCON is a unique competition where new stars can emerge, and success often hinges upon team harmony and momentum management. “Tournaments are won in phases: you have to grow through the group, then approach each knockout game calmly,” he elaborated.
Analyzing their group, which includes Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, Troost-Ekong acknowledged the tough road ahead. He recognized Tunisia as a formidable opponent after they eliminated Nigeria in the round of 16 during the last tournament. “There’s no ‘cruise’ at AFCON; we want to secure top spot to ease our path to the next round,” he asserted.
For Troost-Ekong, AFCON transcends ordinary football; it embodies the vibrant spirit of African unity, showcasing talent and culture that resonate deeply with fans across the continent. “It’s the most beautiful competition in the world,” he passionately declared.
Within the team, camaraderie thrives, with Troost-Ekong jokingly revealing the dressing room dynamics. Samuel Chukwueze takes on the role of DJ, while team prayers reflect a harmonious blend of faith among players. The laughter spills over from Victor Boniface, the team’s comedian, whose antics keep spirits high.
As the Super Eagles bid to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite, Troost-Ekong sends a heartfelt message to fans for their unwavering support during a challenging qualification journey. “Thank you to everyone who stayed with us. Please continue to back us in the playoffs next month,” he urged, signaling a collective mission to lift Nigeria back to the pinnacle of African football.
With determination and the lessons of the past as their guide, the Super Eagles are poised to embark on what they hope will be a triumphant AFCON campaign in Morocco.
