By Nurudeen Obalola
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is looking forward to more success for the team when they face Benin Republic in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan on Thursday.
The Super Eagles defeated Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Cameroon at the same stadium during the 2023 AFCON in February as they reached the final.
Although the three-time African champions suffered a shock defeat to Benin Republic at the same stadium in a World Cup qualifier earlier this year, Troost-Ekong expects a positive outcome on Thursday.
“The stadium is a familiar one for us and we have good memories from the AFCON. We will rather focus on the positive results we have taken away from here and work hard for another good day in the office on Thursday,” the Saudi Arabia-based centre-back said.
“It is not going to be easy because the Beninoise are also chasing a ticket to the final tournament. However, our objective is clear: three points on the night.”
A draw at Benin’s temporary home ground will be enough to seal passage for the Super Eagles, who are four points clear of the Cheetahs at the top of Group D with two rounds of fixtures left in the qualifying campaign.
Meanwhile, Senegalese official Issa Sy, who was in charge when the Super Eagles defeated Angola 1-0 at the same venue in the 2023 AFCON quarter-finals, will be the referee for Thursday’s encounter, which will kick off at 7pm Ivorian time (8pm Nigerian time).
