Troost-Ekong Backs South Africa's World Cup Qualification

William Troost-Ekong, the captain of Nigeria's national football team, publicly supported South Africa's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that Bafana Bafana earned their place on merit despite widespread criticism regarding their performance. Troost-Ekong made these remarks during a roundtable session with journalists, emphasizing that South Africa's playing style is commendable.

He noted that while there are questions about Bafana Bafana's deservingness of a World Cup spot, he refrained from commenting on their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. South Africa must secure a victory against South Korea in their final group fixture at Estadio Monterrey, Mexico, to advance, especially in light of the absence of suspended players Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the second consecutive time, having been placed in a group with South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Benin.