Playing in Africa never easy, says Troost-Ekong

The Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, is not leaving any stone unturned ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, admitting that playing in Africa is never easy, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Eagles welcome the Mediterranean Knights to Uyo as both sides tackle on matchday 3 of the AFCON qualifiers.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Troost-Ekong, who was part of the Eagles squad that defeated Libya 7-2 aggregate during the 2018 AFCON qualifiers, admitted he was not familiar with Libya’s current squad, making their task a bit difficult.

“Every game is a tough game; playing in Africa is never easy, and I know they’re in town now, so they are taking preparations seriously,” the captain was quoted saying by SocceBytes.

“I don’t know too much about them individually as players, but we are going to do a video meeting about them.

“Last time we played against them in 2018, I believe so. The team has changed a lot; I am not sure it is the same players; we have changed a lot since then, but I know it is going to be a difficult game.

“Any team that wants to play against Nigeria will want to play a good game; we have to make sure we are ready.”Nigeria are top of their Group D with four points after two games, and a win in the two encounters against Libya will see the three-time Africa champions all but book a place for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.AFCON qualifiers: Awoniyi promises fans victoryEbenezer BajelaSuper Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has promised that Austin Eguavoen’s side will be aiming for nothing but victory when they take on Libya on matchday 3 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Nigeria host the Mediterranean Knights at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in one of their doubleheader clashes in the qualifying series. Heading into the game, the Eagles sit top of their Group D with four points after two games, and a win in today’s clash in Uyo will take them closer to sealing a spot at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Forest striker, who missed out on the first phase of the qualifier due to injury, said the team were gearing up for the game and expressed confidence in picking up victories.

“It’s a great privilege, and I think every player that is here is ready for the task for sure. Nothing but winning for the fans,” Awoniyi said.

“We’ve known each other for years now, and we’ve gotten to see each other again. All the players are excited about it, and for sure, we are ready for the game.”