Troost-Ekong: Africa Can Go Further at the World Cup Despite Nigeria’s Absence
Former Super Eagles captain says Morocco’s success has inspired the continent as Africa continues to challenge football’s traditional powers.
Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong believes Africa is closer than ever to producing another FIFA World Cup breakthrough, even as he admits watching the tournament without the Super Eagles has been difficult.
Speaking during the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Troost-Ekong said Nigeria’s absence remains a source of disappointment. However, he believes the performances of African teams show the continent has what it takes to compete with the world’s best.
“I would have loved to see Nigeria there because, when you watch the African teams performing so well, you cannot help but think Nigeria would also have put in a strong performance,” he said.
Nigeria Must Learn from Missing Out
Troost-Ekong said missing another World Cup should serve as a turning point for Nigerian football rather than a setback.
He believes the current squad has the quality and experience needed to compete at the highest level but says improvements in preparation will be essential ahead of the next qualification campaign.
“We need to reflect on our preparation and identify what needs to change in order to reach the next level ahead of the next World Cup,” he said.
“The players will continue working hard, sharing ideas and doing everything possible to improve.”
He added that the issue has never been a lack of commitment from players but rather the need for structural improvements that can help Nigeria return to football’s biggest stage.
Africa Closing the Gap
While disappointed by Nigeria’s absence, Troost-Ekong says Africa’s overall performance at the tournament has given him renewed optimism.
According to the former defender, the gap between African teams and football’s traditional powerhouses continues to narrow.
“At the last World Cup, Morocco broke down those barriers and showed everyone what is possible,” he said.
“Based on what we have seen so far, many African teams and players have demonstrated that they can compete with the very best in the world.”
He believes this year’s tournament could produce another historic milestone for African football.
“I am very hopeful that this could be the World Cup where an African team goes even further than Morocco did.”
Morocco Carries Africa’s Hopes
Troost-Ekong believes Morocco remains the continent’s strongest contender to make another deep run in the tournament.
“Morocco is definitely the first team that comes to mind,” he said.
He also praised Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire for their performances despite their early exits.
“Senegal and Ivory Coast both did exceptionally well until their eliminations, and they were a bit unlucky,” he added.
As Morocco prepares to face France in the Round of 16, Troost-Ekong believes the North African side carries the hopes of an entire continent eager to surpass its previous World Cup achievements.
A Different Experience in South Africa
Away from the football, Troost-Ekong says working as part of SuperSport’s FIFA World Cup broadcast team has allowed him to experience South Africa differently.
Unlike previous visits as a player, he has had the opportunity to explore the country beyond training grounds and stadiums.
“It has been great being part of the SuperSport team and meeting some amazing current and former players,” he said.
Although he joked about the colder weather, the former Super Eagles captain said he had enjoyed South Africa’s food, music and culture during the tournament.
“I have enjoyed some great food, listened to good music in all the right places and had one or two drinks since it is my off-season,” he said.
Eyes on Africa’s Next Chapter
As the tournament enters its knockout stages, Troost-Ekong believes African football is entering a new era built on stronger squads, greater experience and growing belief.
While Nigeria’s absence continues to sting, he remains convinced the continent is edging closer to its greatest achievement on football’s biggest stage.
For Troost-Ekong, Morocco’s journey represents more than one nation’s ambitions. It is another opportunity for African football to prove it belongs among the world’s elite.
