Captain William Troost-Ekong’s availability for the Super Eagles’ crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe is in serious doubt, further complicating an already precarious campaign.
The experienced centre-back, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 silver medal-winning squad despite battling a hamstring issue, is now reportedly dealing with a fresh injury setback.
His absence would be a significant blow, given the 2024 AFCON finalists' struggles without him. His leadership, defensive solidity, and composure have made him an indispensable figure.
The 31-year-old has captained the team since 2021, scoring seven international goals, joint second-highest among Nigerian defenders, alongside Joseph Yobo and just two behind the late Stephen Keshi.
Super Eagles penalty dilemma without Ekong
Beyond his defensive contributions, Troost-Ekong has become Nigeria’s most trusted penalty taker in recent years. His first international penalty came against Ghana in a high-stakes 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Abuja.
Since that decisive moment, the centre-back has taken all of Nigeria’s penalties when on the pitch, converting three out of three in regular play.
With his potential absence in March, and the possibility that injuries could signal the beginning of his decline, the Super Eagles must identify a new first-choice penalty taker.
Who are the Super Eagles' main penalty candidates?
With Ekong’s status uncertain, several players could take on the responsibility from 12 yards.
Ademola Lookman
Before his high-profile miss against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League this season, Lookman had taken five penalties in his career, scoring four.
However, he has never taken one for Nigeria, and his infamous failed attempt for Fulham against West Ham in 2020 remains a talking point.
Moses Simon
The Nantes winger boasts an impressive penalty record, having scored 12 out of 13 career attempts. He has also successfully converted two for the Super Eagles, against Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau.
His lone career miss came in 2024 against Guinea. This season, he has been flawless from the spot, scoring all three of his penalties for Nantes.
Victor Osimhen
While Osimhen is Nigeria’s most lethal forward, his penalty-taking record remains inconsistent. Prior to the 2024/25 season, he had scored 12 but missed six penalties.
This campaign has seen a dramatic improvement, with the striker converting all six of his spot-kicks for Galatasaray in the Turkish league and Europa League. The caveat? The quality of goalkeepers in the Turkish Super Lig is not the highest, and his performances under extreme pressure have been mixed.
Super Eagles facing must-win fixtures
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign has been underwhelming so far, with the team drawing three and losing one of their opening four matches.
The March fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe are now must-win encounters to keep their hopes alive for the 2026 tournament.
As the stakes rise, the right decision from 12 yards could be the difference between qualification and another painful failure on the road to the World Cup
