‘No Room for Error’ - Troost-Ekong warns as Super Eagles face Gabon in World Cup Playoffs

Super Eagles defender and captain William Troost-Ekong says Nigeria must show total focus and unity to overcome Gabon in Thursday’s crucial 2026 World Cup playoff in Rabat, Morocco.

The two teams will meet on Thursday at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco. A win will take Nigeria into the final playoff match on Sunday, where they will face Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The winner of this mini-tournament will advance to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026, where one of Africa’s final World Cup slots will be decided.

Troost-Ekong, who led Nigeria to a runners-up finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), believes team cohesion and concentration will be vital in Morocco.

“We’ve built great chemistry, and the mindset in camp is positive. Although preparation time is short, we’re focused,” Troost-Ekong told Olympics.com.

He added, “It’s a one-off game on neutral ground, and we know we must win to reach the final playoff. There’s no room for error.”

The defender also praised the atmosphere in camp, noting that the Super Eagles are motivated by their collective goal of returning to the World Cup stage after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Troost-Ekong also acknowledged the challenge posed by Gabon’s captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who remains the team’s focal point in attack.

The Olympique Marseille striker has been in fine form during the qualifiers, scoring seven goals to help the Panthers reach the playoff stage.

“Gabon is a strong team. Aubameyang continues to lead from the front, causing problems for defenders. I’ve played against him in Saudi Arabia, and I know what he brings. In Africa, you can’t underestimate any team, and we certainly won’t do that with Gabon,” Troost-Ekong noted.

The Super Eagles are aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since Russia 2018.