Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has assured fans that the Nigerian team is fully aware of Knowledge Musona and Zimbabwe’s attacking threat ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier set to take place in Uyo on Tuesday.
Musona, who was recently recalled by Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees, made an instant impact by scoring in their 2-2 draw against Benin. His experience and goal-scoring ability remain a major boost for the Zimbabwean squad.
Despite Musona’s presence, Troost-Ekong made it clear that Nigeria is focusing on the entire Zimbabwean team rather than a single player. He emphasized that the Super Eagles are well-prepared to counter Zimbabwe’s strengths and will not be caught off guard.
“Yes, we are aware of Musona and the quality he brings. We have watched videos of them, and I have personally played against some of their players during my club career,” Troost-Ekong said during the pre-match press conference.
“Every team in Africa is competitive, and we are not taking anything for granted. However, our focus remains on ourselves. We have analyzed Zimbabwe’s style of play and are preparing tactically to handle their threats.”
The experienced defender, who previously played for Watford, also expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. He praised Chelle’s tactical knowledge and ability to motivate the squad, stating that the team is determined to deliver a strong performance.
“We have had great coaches in the past, but now we have the right person who shares the same level of ambition and hunger as the team. His approach to the game and preparation has been fantastic,” Troost-Ekong added.
Nigeria will be aiming to secure maximum points in this encounter as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is expected to be intense, with both teams eager to improve their standing in the qualifiers.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, fans of the Super Eagles remain hopeful that the team will put on a solid display and take a significant step toward World Cup qualification.