Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has opened up on the team’s challenging road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, describing the qualification journey as one of the toughest in recent years.

Nigeria sealed their playoff spot after an emphatic 4-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday night.

Following a shaky start to the campaign, the Super Eagles bounced back impressively, securing three wins and a draw in their last four games to book a place in the next stage.

Speaking after the game, Troost-Ekong admitted that the qualification race tested the team’s resilience and unity but credited their determination for the turnaround.

“I think it’s time that we continue to support this team. It’s easy to celebrate good moments, but it’s been a really tough ride these last months. That’s down to us, but we’ve come out now and achieved something that many said was impossible,” the skipper told reporters in Uyo.

The Super Eagles now join Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the playoffs as they edge closer to a return to the global stage after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.