William Troost-Ekong, the former Super Eagles captain, believes Morocco can lift African football to unprecedented levels at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he remains deeply hurt by Nigeria's failure to qualify for the tournament in Qatar.
The defender has watched African nations perform impressively on sport's grandest stage with mixed emotions. Pride swells when he sees the continent's growing strength, but frustration gnaws at him knowing Nigeria isn't there.
"All of us are incredibly eager to see Nigeria back at the World Cup, and missing out again only increases that desire," Troost-Ekong said.
It stings to watch other African teams shine without the Super Eagles, he admitted. The ex-Watford player reckons Nigeria's squad had the talent and experience to compete at the highest level.
"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 told reporters. "Looking at the quality and talent within the squad, I believe they would have been ready."
Yet Troost-Ekong sees Nigeria's absence as a wake-up call rather than merely another disappointment. The team must learn from this failure and make difficult changes before the next World Cup.
"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."
He stressed that players haven't lacked drive or commitment. Instead, structural changes must happen if Nigeria hopes to succeed in future tournaments.
"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," Troost-Ekong explained.
Despite Nigeria's hurt, the former captain remains optimistic about African football's prospects. He genuinely believes this could be the continent's breakthrough moment on the world stage.
"At the last World Cup, Morocco broke down those barriers and showed everyone what is possible," he said. "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."
The Atlas Lions now carry African hopes into their Thursday quarter-final against France. Troost-Ekong expects Morocco to inspire the continent once again.
"Morocco is definitely the first team that comes to mind," he noted. "Senegal and Ivory Coast both did exceptionally well too until their eliminations, and they were a bit unlucky."
For Troost-Ekong, Morocco's journey represents more than national pride. It proves African nations can challenge traditional powerhouses and offers a blueprint for Nigeria's eventual return to the tournament.
