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William Troost-Ekong started on the bench as Eric Chelle handed 20-year-old Fredrick a surprise start versus Rwanda The 20-year-old defender delivered a strong performance in Nigeria’s tense 1-0 win over Rwanda Troost-Ekong praised his teammate, shifting the spotlight to the youngster ahead of Nigeria’s clash with South Africa Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has broken his silence after coach Eric Chelle opted to start young defender Benjamin Fredrick ahead of him in Nigeria’s crucial 1-0 win over Rwanda on Saturday.
The 2023 AFCON MVP began the game on the bench and only came on in the final minutes to help Nigeria protect their narrow lead.
Troost-Ekong congratulates Benjamin Fredrick after an impressive debut for the Super Eagles. Photo credit: Imago/Karpushey
Source: Twitter Instead of showing frustration, Ekong chose to praise Fredrick, who impressed in his competitive debut for Nigeria in Uyo.
Fredrick shines in Ekong’s absence Fredrick was thrown into the spotlight after Chelle decided to rest Ekong, his more experienced captain, for the must-win qualifier against Rwanda.
The 20-year-old defender repaid that faith with a composed display in a match packed with pressure.
Fredrick’s performance helped Nigeria secure all three points and kept the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification hopes alive.
“It’s not easy to come into a game like this, with so much at stake, and play the way he did,” Troost-Ekong told Soccernet. “Benjamin deserves all the credit today.” Fredrick first caught Nigerians’ attention at the Unity Cup in June, and Saturday’s game confirmed why Chelle trusted him in such a high-stakes encounter.
Ekong shows leadership despite bench role Troost-Ekong could have made the story about himself, but instead, the former Watford defender shifted the spotlight to his younger teammate.
Troost-Ekong in a conversation with Super Eagles coach. Photo credit: William Troost-Ekong
Source: Getty Images It was a reminder of why he remains a respected figure in the Super Eagles squad.
“I think the focus shouldn’t be on me. Rather, I think we should say a big congratulations to Benjamin,” the captain told reporters after the game. His words underline the team-first mentality Nigeria needs as they fight for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
The victory against Rwanda gave Nigeria a vital lifeline as they have gathered 10 points from seven games, six points behind Group C leaders South Africa, as seen on FIFA.com.
The Super Eagles now prepare for a defining clash against Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein, where their qualification hopes will face the ultimate test.
Nigeria’s road ahead The three points against Rwanda were non-negotiable, and the Super Eagles got the job done. But the bigger hurdle comes next.
South Africa sits top of Group C, and Tuesday’s showdown will play a huge role in deciding who secures the automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Broos brags ahead of Nigeria clash In a related development, Legit.ng reported that South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has turned up the heat ahead of next week’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, insisting that Bafana Bafana are in control of their own destiny.
The Belgian coach believes beating Nigeria next week will seal the deal for Bafana Bafana, who have failed to qualify for the World Cup since hosting the tournament in 2010.
Source: Legit.ng
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