Super Eagles’ captain, William Troost-Ekong, has declared that all manner of celebration in the Nigerian national team is on hold until after their crucial match away to South Africa on Tuesday, Sports247 reports.
The Eagles enter the game in high spirits, following their 1-0 victory over Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, but Ekong admitted they cannot afford to overcelebrate, as South Africa still leads six points ahead in their qualification group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Only maximum points in Bloemfontein on Tuesday would help the Eagles cut South Africa’s lead to just three and potentially pull them level with Nigeria should FIFA go ahead and hit Bafana Bafana with a deduction, all of which Ekong acknowledged makes the game crucial to his team’s qualification chances.
The Al-Kholood of Saudi Arabia defender retorted, “Congratulations to the fans and everyone else who believes in us. It’s good to see they are back with us, and they supported us for this game.
“I say welcome back, but I know they did not stop backing us, and we still have another important game on Tuesday. So, we can’t overdo the celebration.”
Ekong, who downplayed his role from the Eagles’ bench in Saturday’s game and gave kudos to Benjamin Federick for stepping in effectively, added that all players in the Nigerian camp are already thinking of how to beat South Africa on Tuesday.
“We have the desire, and we keep pushing on. We really love what we are doing, and we’re in control right now. So, we keep pressing on and take it step by step. Our attention is on South Africa now,” Ekong affirmed.
