…Troost-Ekong confident Super Eagles will lift trophy if they beat Morocco
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has charged the team to go all out for victory when they face hosts Morocco in the semi-final of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations later tonight.
The blockbuster encounter is billed for the magnificent Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, with both teams firmly focused on securing a place in the final of the competition.
Troost-Ekong captained Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Super Eagles reached the final before suffering a 2–1 defeat to the host nation in Abidjan. Despite the loss, the Al Kholood captain was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. In a surprising twist, he retired from international football just weeks before the start of the 2025 AFCON.
Since then, the Super Eagles have gone on to achieve extraordinary feats at the tournament, winning all five of their matches so far and scoring a remarkable 14 goals – the highest tally Nigeria have ever recorded in a single AFCON campaign.
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Nigeria booked their place in the semi-finals with a dominant 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals, setting up a mouth-watering clash against Morocco, who boast several in-form stars including Brahim Díaz, reigning African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi, and Sofyan Amrabat.
Despite Morocco’s attacking quality and the home crowd expected to act as a 12th man, Troost-Ekong has urged the Super Eagles to remain fearless, focused, and united as they chase victory.
“My brothers, the day is here. I cannot tell you how excited I am to watch you guys beat Morocco tonight,” Troost-Ekong said in a video shared on X.
“I want to start by saying I am more than proud to have been a part of this team. What you guys are achieving now is giving me so much energy.
“I’ve had the chance to speak to people here in Saudi Arabia, and everyone is talking about the Super Eagles. Whether online, on the radio, or on TV, it’s all about Nigeria. Game after game, you’ve been getting better. Coach, your diamond in midfield, and the rotations are really working.
“I can’t wait to watch the game later. If you win this one in Morocco, you guys are going to lift the trophy.”
The Super Eagles’ campaign has not been without distractions, ranging from Victor Osimhen’s on-field outbursts to reported threats of a players’ strike and training boycott. However, the former Watford defender has urged the team to remain united and focused on the bigger picture.
“Just stick together and enjoy the moment. That’s my only message,” he added. “These moments only come a few times in life. Some of you have experienced semi-finals before, for others it’s your first time – enjoy it, because it will be one of the best moments of your lives.
“Fight for each other. At the end of the day, you want to be able to look at one another and say, ‘I did my absolute best.’ If you continue doing what you’re doing now, you’re going to win this game.
“I’ll be watching, supporting, and shouting at my TV. I love you guys, I believe in you, go out there and win this game.”
The clash has been widely described as a “final before the final,” with the winner set to face either Egypt or Senegal in the AFCON final.
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