World Cup (Q): Troost-Ekong warns Nigeria- ‘DR Congo will pose different challenge’

Nigeria national team captain William Troost-Ekong has warned the Super Eagles to expect a different ball game from DR Congo when they face off in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs in Morocco.

Following their success to eliminate Gabon after a 4-1 win in the Playoff, the Super Eagles will now come up against the Leopards, who defeated Cameroon 1-0.

Ahead of the game, Troost-Ekong has insisted DR Congo will be a more difficult side than Gabon, insisting they did well to get to the final against a very strong Cameroon side.

“We are happy to be here competing for Sunday, there’s no other motivation that we need if you want to go to the World Cup. It’s going to be a difficult game Congo did well to get to the final and we are looking forward to it,” Troost-Ekong told Complete Sports.

“Every game brings a new challenge and I think also for Gabon they were very dangerous on the counter which the boys dealt really well with but with Congo I know one or two players in the team, I know they are a good playing side so it’s going to be a different challenge altogether.”

Nigeria’s focus is the World Cup ticket

He added: “I don’t think you can ever compare teams in Africa and also we have to adapt and we are a side that need to create an identity and it’s something we want to continue to build on and I know it will be an interesting game for sure.

“In the last game we sent a clear message from the team and we hope to do the same thing now, we are not trying to prove anything to anyone, we want to prove to ourselves by being at the World Cup that’s the real focus.”

The final will be played at Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan in Morocco on Sunday for a shot at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament and, ultimately, a place at World Cup 26.