- Troost-Ekong issued a warning because of the super Hawkeye Zimbabwe conflict.
- After Rwanda’s victory, the Super Eagle gained momentum.
- $150,000 incentives in Zimbabwe? Troost-Ekong is still unshakable.
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong sent a strong message to Zimbabwe ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after Nigeria’s victory over Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali.
In his first victory in the campaign, the Super Eagles will now focus on Zimbabwe at the Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo facing Zimbabwe’s next challenge.
Nigeria’s qualifications hope to remain alive, and Troost-Ekong is determined to make sure they stay on track.
Ekon announced confidently. “We read somewhere that Zimbabweans are motivated to go to Uyo and get results. They should forget it,”
The Super Eagles captain stressed that Nigeria’s main motivation is to gain a place in the World Cup, especially after missing the 2022 edition.
“Our motivation is the ambition to play at the FIFA World Cup. In addition to myself, Alex (Iwobi), and perhaps a few others who competed in the 2018 Championship, a generation is eager to compete at the highest level,” he said. “We want to make Nigeria proud while also making ourselves proud.”
Nigeria’s victory over Rwanda has inspired confidence
The Super Hawks achieved a much-needed victory, beating Rwanda, provided by two first-half goals from Victor Osimhen.
The Naples striker, led by new coach Eric Chelle, has performed well in his first World Cup qualifier, which has increased Nigeria’s chances of getting a seat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Currently, Nigeria is fourth with 6 points, Rwanda and Benin Republic trail by 1 and 2 points, while South Africa takes four points.
Also Read: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Osimhen named in Super Eagles Captains Group
With the momentum shifting, the team has arrived in Uyo, ready to resume training for the next encounter.
Zimbabwean President offers $150,000 in incentives – Trost-Ekong responds
Daily Post reported that before the conflict, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa promised that if the Warriors could win in Uyo, they would receive a $150,000 reward. However, Troost-Ekong downplayed his financial motivation and responded firmly to Zimbabwe’s ambitions.
Super Eagles are determined to stay qualified and hope to live
Despite their slow start to qualify, Troost-Ekong is confident that Nigeria can turn things around.
“It’s important to do the statement we did, and we’re all happy with that,” he said. “I don’t want to get into the situation that made the first four games go. The benefit is that we can still recover and resume the campaign, and we’ve done that.”
With new determination, the Super Hawks will build on their recent success and maintain their motivation as they prepare for a winning showdown against Zimbabwe.
The final thought
The upcoming match against Zimbabwe is crucial to Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying journey.
With renewed confidence, rejuvenated teams and clear goals, the Super Hawks are ready to fight for their position on the global stage.
As they prepare for UYO’s battle, fans can expect a firm and focused Nigerian team, eager to prove their dominance again.
