Former Super Eagles and Watford defender William Troost-Ekong has opined on the NFF’s appeal to FIFA regarding the go-ahead for DR Congo’s World Cup play-offs, Soccernet.ng reports.
The veteran centre-back was a part of Eric Chelle’s side in the play-offs against Congo last November, although he didn’t play a minute when the team lost on penalties.
Shortly after, he announced his retirement from the National Team, but at that time, the NFF had lodged complaints to FIFA, questioning the eligibility of some of the Congolese players who held dual nationalities, a status the Nation of Congo doesn’t approve of.
Last week, FIFA turned down Nigeria’s complaints and gave DR Congo an affirmation to go on with their International play-offs later this month as they look to seal a place in the World Cup. Still, the NFF filed an appeal.
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Ekong speaks on NFF’s appeal to FIFA to reinstate Super Eagles World Cup dreams
The 32-year-old played down Nigeria’s hopes of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming they’re not deserving, while linking it to Morocco being crowned Champions of Africa while losing the AFCON final to Senegal.
Speaking on BeIN Sports, the former Super Eagles captain revealed how much it hurt him to miss out on consecutive World Cup tournaments with his beloved nation.
“It’s a really tough space to be in. I think in 2022, we wanted to be in Qatar. We won our group, but in the play-offs, Ghana edged it on away goals, which was tough to take.
“This time around, with more slots available to African teams, and the strength of our squad, and Nigeria as a nation, it was a lot of pressure.
“Eric Chelle, the coach they have now, has done a fantastic job of turning around a very difficult start because it was an uphill race from the moment he took the job about a year ago.
“Unfortunately, Congo has managed to proceed so far. I know we’ve seen Nigeria hasn’t given up hope yet, but Congo were better when they played against Nigeria
“I wanted to be a part of the World Cup; I felt I had a great chance to show myself there, but that didn’t happen. You have to think of what’s best for the country and the next generation,” the former Gent man concluded.
Nigeria will feature in a four-nation tournament in the March International break alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica.
