Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has assumed responsibility for the team’s defensive woes against Rwanda in their final Group D game in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying rounds, Afrosport reports.
The 31-year-old played the full 90 minutes as the three-time African champions were stunned 2-1 by the visiting Amavubi, who staged a successful comeback, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Monday.
Troost-Ekong, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game and earned a $1,000 cash prize, took responsibility for the team’s defensive frailties, adding that the team should have done better.
“Yes, you’re right, and I take responsibility,” Troost-Ekong said during the post-match conference when asked about the team’s defending for Rwanda’s equaliser.
“As captain and the last man at the back, I know we should have done better. But don’t forget, free kicks, like other set-piece situations, can trouble any team, and I think that’s what happened today. So, I take responsibility.”
Following Ange Mutsinzi’s 72nd minute goal, Innocent Nshuti scored the winner for Rwanda three minutes with the East Africans exploiting another lacklustre defending from their Nigerian counterpart.
Troost-Ekong was clearly disappointed with the defeat as it meant they recorded their only loss in the qualifying campaign having avoided defeat in their opening five matches.
“We’re all sad and disappointed,” the Al Kholood defender stated. “We set out to win this last game to thank and appreciate our fans for their support. We also wanted to preserve our unbeaten run and achieve a clean sheet finish.”
“But none of these came to pass. We’ve accepted the outcome and must move forward,” Troost-Ekong concluded.
Nigeria eventually finished atop the group with 11 points, while the Amavubi missed out on goal difference to Benin Republic. The two teams, however, will face off again in March 2025 in Kigali in matchday five in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
