Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong
By Osondu Ahirika
Have you ever done anything with a good intention that backflipped, and elicited a backlash?
I had the experience recently, but that’s for another day.
Let’s talk football for now.
Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup participation hope dims.
The tense Qualifiers clash between South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and Nigeria’s Super Eagles ended in a tense 1-1 draw at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein.
Nigeria desperately needed a win to boost its chances.
In the 25th minute, the gloom set in.
An unfortunate own goal from Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong put Bafana Bafana in front.
The otherwise tough-tackling defender was about to clear a dangerous cross which backfired; deflecting the ball past his team’s goalkeeper.
An own goal is any player’s worst nightmare. Moreso, for a defender.
Thankfully, a saving grace came in the 45th minute.
His brother defender Calvin Bassey rose highest to head home an equaliser.
Mitigating our loss and leaving us in anxiety.
Depending on fortune and flops from other teams in the group to proceed.
We no longer control the process but depend on permutations.
I feel for William Troost-Ekong.
Before this bad day, he had scored twice against Bafana Bafana in previous meetings.
As expected, many are blaming him for the own goal.
It will be worse if the Nigeria Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
In the face of our disappointment, Nigerians will forget that Troost-Ekong scored an 89th-minute winner against South Africa.
Sending his team through to the semi-finals in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles proceeded to finish third in that tournament.
As a defender, he has returned a decent 7 goals from the Super Eagles, including 3 penalties.
Troost-Ekong holds the record of the highest-scoring defender in the history of AFCON.
Five goals in all.
He emerged Player of the Tournament in the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
But, this own goal will diminish all that in the assessment of unforgiving Super Eagles fans.
That’s how bad an own goal is.
Recall the Tragic fate of Colombian footballer, Andrés Escobar.
Playing for his nation in the 1994 FIFA World Cup against the United States, he scored an own goal in the 22nd minute.
His team was put on the wrong foot and struggled.
Colombia lost that match 2-1, leading to their elimination from the tournament.
Back home after exiting the tournament, an angry nation blamed him.
Death threats mounted.
On July 2, 1994, he was attacked by 2 gunmen who shouted, ‘goal’, after each of six shots.
Nigerians are however not that stupid or instinctively primitive.
Whatever happens, whether the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or not; Troost-Ekong remains our heroic Captain.
He shouldn’t let the dragging that may follow this blip dampen his enthusiasm.
His mental toughness and resilience should be summoned to the fore.
We have a litany of many players who scored own goals against their Club or country.
Troost-Ekong is not alone in this unfortunate glitch, as the first, nor would he be the last, to do so.
As some are prone to drag him, I chose, and I urge you to join me to be different.
We will remember the days Troost-Ekong made us smile and his unquestionable patriotism.
We should rally around the national team and steer away from throwing tantrums and the blame game.
We may yet pull a miracle out of this seeming hopelessness.
Go ahead Super Eagles. You can fly above the odds.
Ahirika is Head of Media and Advocacy Unit, Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM), Akwa Ibom State.
