Both captain William Troot-Ekong and new head coach Eric Chelle have shared their thoughts as the Super Eagles of Nigeria gear up to face Rwanda today, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions will lock horns with the Wasps of Rwanda in Kigali to keep their 2026 World Cup hope alive.
The dismal start of the Nigerian Eagles in the qualification campaign has earned them just three points out of five games, which mounts more pressure on the players.
Ahead of the explosive clash, captain Ekong and Chelle spoke to the media in a pre-match press conference and shared key insights into the team’s mindset and expectations ahead of the showdown.
Ekong: “Pressure is a privilege”
Team captain William Troost-Ekong expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and described the atmosphere in camp as highly motivated.
“Everything has been good. All the boys are fired up. Of course, we know we have a big job ahead, it comes with pressure, but I keep saying to everyone that pressure is a privilege,” Ekong said.
“All the boys are feeling that and we are ready to work with the new coach. He’s given us a lot of new instructions; for us it’s just to understand what he wants from us on Friday [today].”
Reflecting on the significance of representing Nigeria, Ekong added:
“It’s special when I’m here to have this badge on my chest. Being with the new coach we tried to welcome him as quickly as possible. He’s been clear about what he wants from us and what he’s expecting.”
️ William Troost-Ekong speaks to the press ahead of the #SuperEagles’ clash against Rwanda.
[: NGSuperEagles] pic.twitter.com/bsZpL5DkNy
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) March 20, 2025
Read More:
- “No conservative football”- Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong tells fans what to expect against Rwanda
- Nigeria and Rwanda stars praise coaches Eric Chelle and Adel Amrouche pre-World Cup qualifiers
- Chelle, Finidi, or Peseiro: Who should take the blame if Super Eagles misses the 2026 World Cup?
Eric Chelle Target First Win
On the other side of the touchline, new Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle is set to lead the 2013 African champions for the first time and is fully aware of the weight of expectation.
“They also have a new coach, they want to win and we also want to win. We are ready,” said the Malian tactician.
Chelle, who replaced Finidi George after Nigeria's poor start to their World Cup qualification campaign, emphasised full focus on Rwanda before thinking about future games.
He added: “I just want to be with my players, I want my players to focus on this game. Only this game now and after that, we will see the other games. We need to win this game. They are training hard and they want Nigerians to be proud of them.”
“We have had a lot of meetings and training sessions. I have communicated my plans, and how we intend to achieve success,” he added.
“We must focus on our game, we have a great squad. We must work hard. What we do with the ball and off the ball will be important. We are focusing on our preparation and we will be ready.
“I want to win this game because the country needs this.”
️ #SuperEagles head coach, Eric Chelle, speaks to the press ahead of Rwanda clash.
[: NGSuperEagles] pic.twitter.com/hF2wvOCo9z
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) March 20, 2025
Nigeria and Rwanda will lock horns for all points at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali at 5:00 pm Nigerian time, and the Eagles will be aiming to give the Nigerian fans something to cheer for.
