By Eddah Waithaka
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong admits Nigeria’s World Cup absence hurts, but he believes Africa is on the brink of history.
One thought has followed William Troost-Ekong throughout this FIFA World Cup: What if Nigeria had been there?
As one of the country’s most respected footballers and a former captain of the Super Eagles, Troost-Ekong has watched Africa continue to make its mark on football’s biggest stage with equal measures of pride and frustration.
Pride because African football continues to prove it belongs among the world’s elite. Frustration because he firmly believes Nigeria should have been part of that story.
“I think the motivation has always been there,” Troost-Ekong told SuperSport. “All of us are incredibly eager to see Nigeria back at the World Cup, and missing out again only increases that desire” .
Nigeria’s hopes ended in a penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final African qualifying play-off, meaning the Super Eagles will miss consecutive World Cups for the first time since 2006 .
“I would have loved to see Nigeria there because, when you watch the African teams performing so well, you cannot help but think Nigeria would also have put in a strong performance,” he said .
“Looking at the quality and talent within the squad, I believe they would have been ready. Many of the players have matured, and some also gained valuable experience at the 2018 World Cup” .
It is not bitterness that comes through in his voice, but belief. Belief that one of Africa’s footballing giants has the talent to compete with the very best. Belief that missing consecutive World Cups should become a catalyst for meaningful change .
“It would have been wonderful to see them compete, but I also think this serves as an important lesson,” he said. “We need to reflect on our preparation and identify what needs to change in order to reach the next level ahead of the next World Cup”.
“I have never felt there was a lack of motivation or commitment from the players. I simply believe there are several areas that need to change, and this time those changes will be essential if the team is to succeed” .
Africa’s Time Has Come
While Nigeria’s absence still hurts, Troost-Ekong has found plenty of reasons to smile watching the continent’s representatives continue to challenge the traditional powers. The former captain believes the gap between Africa and Europe and South America has never been smaller .
In fact, he believes this tournament is where African football takes another historic leap forward.
“I think so,” he says when asked whether this is Africa’s breakthrough World Cup. “At the last World Cup, Morocco broke down those barriers and showed everyone what is possible” .
“Based on what we have seen so far in this tournament, many African teams, players, and individual performances have demonstrated that they can compete with the very best in the world” .
Morocco has already made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in consecutive tournaments . Their 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16 set up a blockbuster clash against France on Thursday, 9 July (22:00 CAT) .
“Morocco is definitely the first team that comes to mind,” Troost-Ekong said. “Senegal and Ivory Coast both did exceptionally well too until their eliminations, and they were a bit unlucky” .
“I am very hopeful that this could be the World Cup where an African team goes even further than Morocco did. If they reach that stage, hopefully they can go all the way” .
A Different World Cup Experience
Away from the football, Troost-Ekong has embraced a different side of the tournament during his time as part of SuperSport’s world-class broadcast team. Instead of arriving as an opponent focused solely on training sessions and matchdays, he has been able to experience South Africa in a way he never could during his playing career .
“I have really enjoyed it,” he said. “It has been great being part of the SuperSport team and meeting some amazing current and former players”.
“Although it has been a little colder than I am used to, I have had a fantastic time. It is also the first time in many years that I have been in South Africa without being here as a player.”
“When you are playing, you are naturally a bit more restricted in terms of what you can and cannot do. This time, I have been able to take everything in and experience some of the best parts of South Africa whenever I have not been working.”
The football has not been the only highlight. “Absolutely,” he laughs when asked about whether he is enjoying South Africa’s food and culture. “I have enjoyed some great food, listened to good music in all the right places, and had one or two drinks since it is my off-season.”
For now, though, Troost-Ekong watches on as an analyst rather than a player, still carrying the disappointment of Nigeria’s absence, but optimistic that Africa’s story at this FIFA World Cup is far from finished .
If Morocco can overcome France on Thursday night, they will not only keep their own dream alive, but also continue carrying the hopes of a continent still chasing its greatest-ever World Cup achievement.
Watch Morocco vs France LIVE on SuperSport this Thursday at 22:00 CAT, as SuperSport continues to bring you every moment of the FIFA World Cup—live, unrivalled and in one place. All 104 matches are available across DStv and GOtv packages, with streaming on DStv Stream .
