Legendary Nigerian forward Segun Odegbami has described William Troost-Ekong’s costly mistake in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe as a moment that will ‘haunt him for the rest of his life', Soccernet.ng reports.
The experienced centre-back was at fault for Zimbabwe’s late equaliser at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday, a result that left Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes in serious jeopardy.
Victor Osimhen had given the Super Eagles the lead in the second half, and a win would have seen Nigeria climb to second in Group C, closing the gap on leaders South Africa.
However, Troost-Ekong’s lapse in concentration allowed Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa to skip past him and slot the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in stoppage time, securing a crucial point for the visitors.
Tawanda Chirewa with excellent close control
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 25, 2025
Zimbabwe stun Nigeria with a late equaliser to give Bafana Bafana the advantage in Group C ⚽#SSDiski | #TotalEnergiesWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/pemAkmJske
The result leaves Nigeria languishing in fourth place, six points behind South Africa, with their chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup now hanging by a thread.
Odegbami: A moment that could define William Troost-Ekong’s career
In his weekly column in the Vanguard, Odegbami did not hold back in his criticism of the Al-Kholood defender, suggesting that this error could have lasting consequences for both Troost-Ekong and Nigerian football.
“Unfortunately, what Ekong did may haunt him for the rest of his life,” Odegbami wrote.
“It could be the moment Nigeria lost the opportunity to go to the 2026 World Cup. It could turn out to be his last chance to attend a World Cup. It was a moment Nigerians, all 250 million of them, will remember forever.”
He further analysed the defender’s misjudgment in the decisive moment:
“Ekong took his leg off the pedal, probably thinking he might trip the attacker and give away a penalty kick (We will never know now). He let the ball and the opposing attacker go through, a gift to the player who slid the ball under a helplessly sprawling Nwabali for an equalising goal that pierced the hearts of 250 million Nigerians like a knife.”
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William Troost-Ekong takes responsibility
Troost-Ekong, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, has since apologised to his teammates and reassured fans that the team remains focused on securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
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Despite the criticism, Odegbami has urged Nigerians to forgive the defender, acknowledging his contributions to the national team over the past decade.
“William Troost-Ekong has since apologised for that poor decision, and Nigerians have no choice but to forgive him,” he added.
However, Odegbami, Nigeria's third all-time highest goalscorer, admits that the Super Eagles now face an uphill task in qualifying for the World Cup.
Odegbami noted: “The bottom line is that Nigeria had no business letting victory slip through their hands with only a few minutes of the match to go. It was a very painful end to what was otherwise a match they had under their control until they scored, and, thereafter, went to sleep.
“The silence around the Uyo Township Stadium and around the country as a whole, after the match, spoke loudly about the gloom that has since settled over Nigerians.
“Last Tuesday was a ‘bad’ day at the market for the Super Eagles. The country would need more than prayers and a miracle to still make it to the 2026 World Cup.”
South Africa in pole position as Group C takes a twist
Elsewhere in Group C, South Africa strengthened their grip on the top spot with a vital 2-0 win over Benin Republic in Abidjan. It was the only victory recorded on Matchday 6, with Nigeria’s draw against Zimbabwe mirroring Rwanda’s 0-0 stalemate with Lesotho.
After six games, South Africa lead the group with 13 points, followed by Benin Republic and Rwanda, who are tied on eight points.
Nigeria sit in fourth with seven points, ahead of Lesotho (six points) and bottom-placed Zimbabwe (four points).
However, South Africa’s standing at the summit may not be secure, as the 1996 AFCON winners face a potential points deduction for allegedly fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho. If found guilty, the Bafana Bafana could see their lead cut, potentially reshaping the group standings.
