World Cup 2026: 3 reasons Troost-Ekong believes Super Eagles would have reached Round of 16

Nigeria’s Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after falling short during the African qualifying campaign, where DR Congo secured one of the continent’s tickets to the tournament, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong believes Nigeria would have enjoyed a successful campaign if they had reached the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nine of Africa’s ten representatives progressed beyond the group stage, but only Morocco have already booked a place in the Round of 16. Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa and DR Congo have been eliminated, while Egypt, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde are still battling for qualification.

Troost-Ekong remains convinced that the Super Eagles possessed enough quality to advance beyond the group stage and even challenge top nations.

Agree with William Troost-Ekong? 👀

If Nigeria had qualified for the #FIFAWorldCup, do you think they would still be in the tournament? 🇳🇬#DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/BjRxqECyBb

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 2, 2026

The experienced defender admitted Nigeria’s failure to qualify was painful but insisted the squad has enough talent to compete with the world’s best teams.

According to Ekong, the current Super Eagles combine experienced leaders with exciting young stars playing for top European clubs. He believes that under head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria has become a more organised side capable of matching any opponent.

Troost-Ekong ‘s comments became even more interesting after DR Congo, the team that denied Nigeria a World Cup place, pushed England to the limit in the knockout stage before losing narrowly.

DR Congo push England before late collapse

England survived a huge scare to beat DR Congo 2-1 in their Round of 32 clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Congolese Leopards shocked Thomas Tuchel’s side after taking the lead in the seventh minute. Captain Chancel Mbemba picked out Brian Cipenga with a brilliant long pass, and the winger fired a low shot beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage before halftime when Yoane Wissa struck the post from close range.

Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi also kept his side in front with five outstanding saves, denying Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and other England attackers throughout the match.

England eventually turned the game around after Tuchel introduced fresh players. Anthony Gordon provided the cross that Harry Kane headed home in the 75th minute to level the score.

Kane completed the comeback in the 86th minute, smashing home the winning goal from just inside the penalty area to send England into the Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico at the famous Estadio Azteca.

Although DR Congo were eliminated, they left the tournament with several historic achievements, including their first World Cup goal, first World Cup point, first World Cup victory and first appearance in the knockout stage.

World Cup 2026: Reasons Super Eagles would have impressed

Nigeria’s attack could have caused England bigger problems

The main reason behind Troost-Ekong’s confidence is the strength of Nigeria’s attack. The Super Eagles boast proven goalscorers led by Victor Osimhen, alongside dangerous wingers and creative midfielders capable of producing moments of brilliance.

Nigeria’s attackers have the speed, movement and finishing ability to punish defensive mistakes. Since DR Congo managed to score early and trouble England throughout the match, the Super Eagles’ more experienced frontline could have created even greater danger.

With several players performing regularly in Europe’s biggest leagues, the Super Eagles would have had enough quality to break down England’s defence.

Eric Chelle has given the Super Eagles a stronger identity

The work of head coach Eric Chelle since his appointment has transformed the Super Eagles’ style of play and made the team tough to beat.

Nigeria struggled during the early stages of World Cup qualifying because of managerial changes and inconsistent performances. But Chelle has introduced better organisation, defensive discipline and quicker attacking transitions.

Super Eagles players now understand their roles much better and have developed greater confidence in difficult matches. This improved tactical structure would have helped Nigeria compete against well-organised teams such as England and given the Super Eagles a realistic chance of reaching the Round of 16.

England showed defensive weaknesses Nigeria could have exploited

England’s defensive display during the tournament has not been excellent and it is an area the Super Eagles would have exploited.

The Three Lions have looked vulnerable at different moments, including conceding goals in earlier matches before their difficult contest against DR Congo.

Against the Congolese, England struggled with quick attacks and allowed their opponents several dangerous opportunities despite enjoying 60 percent possession and taking 16 shots.

Nigeria’s pace on the counterattack and clinical finishing would have taken better advantage of those defensive lapses.

Watching DR Congo lead England for most of the match strengthened the view that the Super Eagles had the players capable of causing even greater problems.

Although Nigeria are not part of the 2026 World Cup, it is not hard to see why Troost-Ekong remains convinced the Super Eagles had the talent needed to reach at least the Round of 16 if they had qualified.