Troost-Ekong speaks on Super Eagles’ game plan against Rwanda

By Sunday Bassey

Super Eagles captain Williams Troost-Ekong has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s football fans would be proud at the end of today’s match of the team against Amavubi of Rwanda.

The Super Eagles are currently in fourth place in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

They have accumulated seven points from six matches, trailing behind South Africa (13 points), Rwanda (8 points), and Benin Republic

The Super Eagles will face Rwanda on Saturday and host South Africa on Tuesday as part of their CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, Troost-Ekong acknowledged the high expectations of Nigerians from the team.

But he added that the team was focused and well-prepared for the match against Amavubi.

The captain also emphasised that the Super Eagles had a strong squad and were ready to execute their game plan in tomorrow’s encounter.

“We are ready for our game plan. We have a good training session and I know my players,” he said.

Troost-Ekong expressed hope and confidence that Nigeria would beat Rwanda at tomorrow’s game.

“We need to be serious to win the game tomorrow. My team is motivated and we have spoken about the gravity of the game tomorrow.

“Winning the match against Rwanda will give us hope because we have a good team,” Troost-Ekong stated.

He said, “I know how much it means to represent Nigeria in the World Cup, it’s a life ambition to play in the highest place in the World.

“All the players understand how important the match between Nigeria and Rwanda match is.

“We are focused, we will give our maximum tomorrow and we will take it step by step tomorrow.

“We have confidence in our preparation and are motivated. Now, it’s up to us to deliver on the pitch tomorrow,” Troost-Ekong said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Association of National Professional Footballers (NANPF) has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritise player safety and fan experience during Nigeria’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Director for Safety and Player Welfare, CSP Chijioke Kalu, made the appeal in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

He was speaking ahead of Nigeria’s matches against Rwanda on Saturday in Uyo and South Africa on Tuesday.

Kalu said the NFF must ensure that ticketing procedures are well managed to support effective crowd control and create a child-friendly stadium atmosphere.

“This is the last weekend of the school holiday. Families, especially children, should be able to access the stadium in a safe and welcoming way,” he said.

He said children should feel safe attending matches with their families to build a stronger fan culture in the future.

Kalu commended the facilities at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, describing it as one of the best in the world in terms of infrastructure and crowd control architecture.

He, however, noted that the ticketing and stadium access system must match international standards in safety and user experience.

“We must take advantage of technology to improve ticketing, enhance security, and improve the fan experience—particularly for children, women, and the elderly,” he said.

He also called on the NFF to deploy sufficient volunteers to assist with crowd management across key access points in and around the stadium.

“This will ensure seamless movement for all categories of fans and create a secure environment for players and spectators,” he said.