William Trost-Ekong has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles are fully prepared to pick up the much needed win against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup Africa playoff final at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan on Sunday. The decisive match will start at 8 pm Nigerian time.
The two countries, who share five Africa Cup of Nations titles between them, will compete for Africa's single ticket to the intercontinental playoff in March, where two more spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be decided.
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Ekong acknowledged Congo's strength but insisted the Super Eagles' determination and World Cup hunger will lead them to victory.
“There is no doubt that the Congolese will be a big challenge. They have come here because they are tough and ambitious, and they also want to go to the World Cup,” he said.
“However, we have a great group of players here, 24 of them, and only four of us have been to the World Cup. There's an influx of passion; the desire to be on the world stage is a big motivation for us to win on Sunday.”
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Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Chidozie Awajim are the only members of the Russia 2018 squad with previous World Cup experience.
Nigeria will face a DR Congo side full of threats, including Spain-based Cedric Bakambu, France-based Nathaniel Mbuku, ex-Russia U21 star Theo Bongonda and Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele.
