Troost-Ekong: ‘I would have taken one’ – Super Eagles captain on penalty loss to DR Congo

GistReel

Super Eagles skipper William Troost-Ekong says he would have been among Nigeria’s penalty takers had he been on the pitch during Sunday night’s World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo.

With the game locked at 1-1 deep into extra time, Nigeria were forced into a defensive reshuffle as Eric Chelle made his final substitution.

Chidozie Awaziem replaced Tolu Arokodare, leaving Troost-Ekong, the squad’s designated top penalty taker, on the bench when the match went to spot kicks.

Asked if he was frustrated not to be introduced late on specifically for penalties, the captain dismissed any personal disappointment.

‘I just wanted to win’

“No, I don’t think I was. I wasn’t frustrated, I just wanted to win this game anyhow,” Troost-Ekong told reporters in the mixed zone.

“My role is to support the team as much as possible on the pitch, off the pitch, and as you would have seen, there’s a lot of togetherness.

“Of course, if I would have been on the pitch, I would have taken one, but it was also time for the other boys to get that experience.”

Backs young players after painful defeat

Troost-Ekong, who has scored eight goals for Nigeria, including four penalties in competitive matches, praised the younger squad members for stepping up under pressure.

“I think those boys stepped up and it happens. They will learn so much from this moment, and I’m sure the next time the moment comes, they’ll be better prepared and hopefully that’ll be a chance to make the difference.”

Nigeria’s 4-3 penalty shootout loss ended their campaign and denied them a place in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.