Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has praised the exceptional talent of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, asserting their status among the world’s elite attackers.
Speaking from Kigali, Troost-Ekong highlighted Osimhen‘s pivotal role in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda, where he scored a decisive brace.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, delivered a man-of-the-match performance at the Amahoro Stadium, scoring both goals to secure a crucial win in the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
While acknowledging Osimhen’s outstanding display, Troost-Ekong emphasised the collective effort that led to the team’s success.
“It is not about individual performances,” he said. “The win against Rwanda was a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. Everyone played their part, and it is this unity that will drive us forward.”
The Super Eagles captain also highlighted the importance of squad depth, praising Tolu Arokodare for making his debut and applauding Alhassan Yusuf, who played out of position but delivered a solid performance.
Troost-Ekong further commended new head coach Eric Chelle for securing his first win, acknowledging the tactical adjustments made despite limited preparation time.
“We try to understand what the coach wants from us. We have only had two training sessions and lots of video sessions too. Today’s win is a glimpse of what we should expect under Coach Eric Chelle,” he added.
Reflecting on his decade-long journey with the national team, Troost-Ekong expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from past captains. He noted that these experiences have shaped his leadership style, enabling him to foster an environment where new players can thrive and express themselves freely.
