Captain William Troost-Ekong has taken full responsibility for the Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in their final 2025 AFCON qualification match on Monday, November 18. The game, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, started off positively for Nigeria, with Samuel Chukwueze’s brilliant individual effort giving the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead.
However, the match took a sudden turn as the Nigerian defense struggled to maintain its composure. Rwanda quickly capitalized on defensive lapses, scoring two goals. The first came from a well-taken free kick, while the second was a result of a breakdown in communication and coordination at the back, allowing the Rwandan attackers to seize the opportunity.
Troost-Ekong, who played as a center-back in the match, did not shy away from expressing his disappointment in the team’s defensive performance. He took full accountability for the outcome, acknowledging his role in the defensive shortcomings. “Yes, you’re right, and I take responsibility,” he said during the post-match press conference. “As captain and the last man at the back, I know we should have done better. I must ensure our defense is solid, and we fell short today.”
The experienced defender also reflected on the challenges posed by set pieces, such as the free kicks that led to the goals. “Set pieces, like free kicks, can trouble any team, and I think that’s what happened today,” Troost-Ekong added. “So, I take responsibility for the result.”
Despite the disappointment, Troost-Ekong’s honesty and leadership were evident as he emphasized the need for improvement in the team’s defensive setup going forward.
