William Troost-Ekong Rallies Nigerians After 4-0 Win Over Benin, Eyes World Cup Redemption

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has called for renewed national pride and patience as Nigeria sealed their spot in the CAF World Cup playoffs following a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin Republic on October 14, 2025.

The win — driven by Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s stoppage-time strike — reignited hopes of returning to the global stage after a shaky qualifying campaign.

In a post-match press conference clip circulating online, Ekong, speaking with visible relief, urged Nigerians to look beyond the early stumbles and rally behind the team’s resurgence. “We’ve had tough moments in this journey, but we’ve shown resilience.

This is Nigeria — we fight, we rise, and we keep believing,” the captain said. He stressed that the players are approaching the playoffs in Morocco this November with a renewed mindset, adopting what he described as a “game-by-game focus” toward ultimate qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ekong also acknowledged the weight of national expectations, particularly after earlier draws against South Africa and Benin that left fans anxious about qualification. “We understand the frustration, but we need every Nigerian with us — in the stadiums, online, and in spirit. This badge means everything to us,” he added. His words carried the tone of a leader determined to repair trust and rekindle unity in the football community.

Fan reactions to the viral clip — first shared by Linda Ikeji Blog and other sports platforms — have been deeply divided. Optimists praised the captain’s composure and leadership, with one user commenting, “This is the energy we need from our leaders — calm, confident, and focused.” Others, however, remained cautious, insisting that only a confirmed World Cup berth would justify renewed belief. “We’ve heard speeches before; we want results in March,” another fan wrote, echoing widespread sentiments among Nigeria’s football faithful.

Despite the mixed reactions, the victory marks a pivotal turnaround for the Super Eagles. The team’s dominant display not only restored morale but also reignited national optimism after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Analysts say Ekong’s message could help stabilize the team’s mentality ahead of the high-stakes playoff round, where every match will determine Nigeria’s fate on the road to North America 2026.

For now, the Super Eagles have reclaimed their fighting spirit — and under Ekong’s leadership, the dream of seeing Nigeria fly again on football’s biggest stage feels alive once more.

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— BusterBlog.com | Sports & National Pride