‘We are confident, not arrogant’ – Nigeria captain on crucial Bafana clash | OneFootball

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Troost-Ekong exudes confidence ahead of Bafana clash

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Nigeria national team captain William Troost-Ekong says the Super Eagles are confident of walking away with a favorable result against Bafana Bafana on Tuesday (18h00).

The two teams will renew their fierce rivalry in a high stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Free State Stadium, in Bloemfontein.

Heading into the encounter, Nigeria are on the backfoot as they trail group C leaders, South Africa, with six points, having accumulated 10 points after seven games.

However, despite their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Troost-Ekong says the Nigerian camp exudes confidence on claiming Bafana’s scalp in their home turf.

“This game will be a new occasion, of course we have a level of confidence because of the preparation that we have done and there is no arrogance or because you think something has happened in the games before,” said the Super Eagles captain.

‘So, we have prepared well, and we definitely have a belief in what we can do as a team.

While he insists Nigeria are optimistic about swaying the result in their favor, the skipper acknowledges that leaving Mzansi with maximum points won’t be a walk in the park.

“But it will be a very difficult game because Bafana Bafana is a very good team, and from that tournament [2023 AFCON], that was probably the most difficult game. If you saw the best version of Nigeria, the final was something different,” added Troost-Ekong.

“But I think throughout the tournament, that was one of the most difficult games. So, we have respect for Bafana Bafana but like I said we also have confidence in what we can do.