World Cup (Q): William Troost-Ekong claims pressure on South Africa to win and not Nigeria

Captain of Nigeria men’s senior national team, William Troost-Ekong has asserted that the pressure to secure a win in Tuesday night’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture rests on the shoulders of the hosts, Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

The rivals will clash in what is expected to be a thrilling Group C contest at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein. Troost-Ekong while speaking to the press ahead of the game believes that while both teams have everything to play for, the current a greater burden on South Africa.

“We are just focused on the opportunity ahead, and I also think the pressure is also on South Africa. We have everything to gain.”

Nigeria have had a difficult qualifying campaign so far, with a series of draws leaving them with a desperate need for maximum points.

The two teams played out a 1-1 draw when they met earlier in the qualifiers. South Africa and Nigeria head into the game with different ambitions.

Bafana Bafana are in a stronger position at the top of the group. A win against Nigeria would move them significantly closer to their first World Cup appearance since they hosted the tournament in 2010.

While a win is a must for the Super Eagles to keep their World Cup dreams alive, a victory for Bafana Bafana could all but seal their place at the global showpiece.

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