Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong says he remains confident that Nigeria’s younger players will bounce back stronger after the team’s painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 32-year-old captain was part of the squad that lost 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in Sunday’s African play-off final in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria scored first but endured 120 grueling minutes at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium before falling in the shootout.
The defeat means the Super Eagles have now missed back-to-back World Cups (2022 and 2026).
Speaking to Pooja Media, Troost-Ekong said he believes the younger players will grow from the disappointment.
“I think the boys stepped up. It happens. They will learn so much from this moment, and I’m sure next time they will be better prepared and have the chance to make a difference.”
Since making their World Cup debut in 1994, the Super Eagles have qualified for six tournaments (1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018), reaching the Round of 16 three times.
They have now failed to reach the 2006, 2022, and 2026 editions.
Following the loss, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a public apology, calling the miss a moment of “profound sadness” for Nigerian football.
The NFF said it understood the expectations of fans and admitted that the collective effort “did not deliver the outcome the nation deserved.”
Troost-Ekong and the squad will regroup soon as preparations begin for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for December 21, 2025 to January 19, 2026.
