Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has issued a defiant warning to Zimbabwe ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday in Uyo.

Speaking at the Kigali International Airport before the team’s departure on Saturday morning, Ekong made it clear that Nigeria is determined to continue their winning momentum following a 2-0 triumph over Rwanda. The victory, secured at the Amahoro Stadium, reignited the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes, pushing them to fourth place in Group C with six points—just one behind Rwanda and four behind leaders South Africa.

Reacting to reports that Zimbabwe is motivated to secure a result in Uyo, the former Watford defender had a blunt message:

“We read somewhere that the Zimbabweans are being motivated to come to Uyo and get a result. They should forget it,” Ekong declared.

The Nigerian captain stressed that the team’s ambition to play at the 2026 World Cup—after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar—serves as powerful motivation.

“We are hugely motivated by the ambition to play at the FIFA World Cup. Apart from myself, Alex (Iwobi), and perhaps a couple of others who were part of the 2018 World Cup, this generation is hungry to play at the highest level. We want to make Nigeria proud and, at the same time, do ourselves proud,” he added.

With the USA, Canada, and Mexico set to host the 2026 tournament, Nigeria is determined to climb further up the standings and reclaim a place on football’s grandest stage.