Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has assured fans that the team will not take their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Rwanda lightly, despite already securing their place in the tournament.
The three-time African champions are set to host the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo today, and Troost-Ekong has emphasized the importance of finishing the qualifiers with a strong performance.
The Super Eagles have been impressive throughout the qualification campaign, remaining unbeaten with three wins and two draws. While their ticket to the AFCON finals is already secured, Troost-Ekong underlined the team’s desire to maintain their momentum and end the series on a high note. Speaking to reporters in Uyo ahead of the match, the Nigerian captain shared the team’s mindset and their commitment to delivering a memorable performance for their home fans.
“We’re not taking this game lightly; we want to be the best team in Africa,” Troost-Ekong declared confidently. His statement highlights the Super Eagles’ ambition to not only qualify for the AFCON but also to establish themselves as one of the continent’s elite teams. The captain acknowledged the importance of the match as an opportunity to showcase their strength and set a precedent for their performance in the upcoming tournament.
Troost-Ekong also stressed the significance of making the fans happy with a victory in Uyo. “We want to win the game to make the fans happy,” he said. With the passionate Nigerian supporters expected to fill the stadium, the Super Eagles are determined to give them something to cheer about. The team sees this game as a chance to connect with their fans and demonstrate their gratitude for the unwavering support they have received throughout the qualifiers.
In addition to the team’s overall goals, the match provides individual players with an opportunity to impress on home soil. Troost-Ekong acknowledged this, saying, “It’s an opportunity to impress at home.” For many players, the game is a platform to solidify their place in the squad and prove their readiness for the challenges ahead. With competition for spots in the final AFCON squad expected to be fierce, every performance counts.
The Super Eagles’ journey through the qualifiers has been a testament to their resilience and skill. Under the guidance of caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen, the team has shown consistency and determination, securing crucial results in a competitive group. Their unbeaten record is a source of pride and motivation as they prepare to face Rwanda in their final group match.
Despite their underdog status, Rwanda is expected to put up a fight in today’s encounter. The Amavubi have shown moments of promise during the qualifiers, and they will be eager to end their campaign on a positive note. However, the Super Eagles are confident in their ability to overcome any challenge and secure a victory in front of their home crowd.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, anticipation is building among fans and players alike. The atmosphere at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is expected to be electric, with Nigerian supporters eager to see their team in action. The Super Eagles’ commitment to delivering an entertaining and victorious performance underscores their determination to live up to expectations and maintain their reputation as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
With qualification already in the bag, the focus now shifts to building momentum and refining their gameplay ahead of the AFCON finals. The Super Eagles are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead in the tournament, and today’s match serves as an important step in their preparations. By treating the game with the seriousness it deserves, the team aims to send a message to their future opponents and solidify their status as strong contenders for the continental title.
As the Super Eagles take to the pitch later today, all eyes will be on their performance and the outcome of the match. Fans across Nigeria and beyond will be hoping for a convincing display that reaffirms the team’s ambitions and sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting journey to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
