Troost-Ekong, Osimhen Fire Warning to Zimbabwe Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Victor Osimhen have issued a strong message to Zimbabwe ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Reacting to reports that Zimbabwe are targeting a result in Uyo, Troost-Ekong said, “They should forget it. We are driven by the dream of playing at the FIFA World Cup.” Speaking on arrival at Victor Attah International Airport on Saturday, the defender highlighted the hunger within the squad.

“Except for myself, Alex Iwobi, and maybe a couple of others who went to the 2018 World Cup, this generation is desperate to reach the highest level. We want to make Nigeria and ourselves proud,” he told thenff.com.

Osimhen echoed the sentiment, declaring, “We are ready. The remaining matches are wars, and we must fight with everything to win.”

Troost-Ekong praised the team’s 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, calling it a statement of intent. “It was a big win, but we know there’s more to do. We’ve started our recovery, and we must stay focused.”

He credited the victory to teamwork rather than individual brilliance, despite Osimhen’s brace. “Everyone played their part. That unity will carry us forward.”

The captain also lauded debutants Tolu Arokodare and Alhassan Yusuf, who performed admirably despite challenges, and praised new head coach Eric Chelle for his impact. “We’ve only had two training sessions and a lot of video work, but today’s result shows what’s to come under Coach Chelle.”

Troost-Ekong, who ranks Osimhen and Ademola Lookman among the world’s top attackers, called his decade-long journey with the national team the highlight of his career.

A win on Tuesday would move Nigeria to nine points in the qualifiers, boosting their chances of securing a World Cup spot — especially if Benin Republic and South Africa share points in their clash in Abidjan.