Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has said Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains a major disappointment, insisting the Super Eagles must treat the setback as an important lesson and make the necessary changes to return to football’s biggest stage.

Speaking in an interview granted to SuperSport, the former Watford defender said watching African teams perform impressively at the ongoing tournament in North America had filled him with both pride and frustration, as he believes Nigeria had the quality to have made a significant impact had they qualified.

Nigeria failed to reach the 2026 World Cup after an inconsistent qualifying campaign, extending the country’s absence from the global showpiece to a second consecutive edition.

Troost-Ekong said the disappointment of missing out had only strengthened the players’ resolve to see Nigeria return to the tournament.

“I think the motivation has always been there. All of us are incredibly eager to see Nigeria back at the World Cup, and missing out again only increases that desire,” he said.

The defender maintained that the Super Eagles possessed the talent and experience needed to compete with the world’s best teams, pointing to the growing maturity within the squad.

“I would have loved to see Nigeria there because, when you watch the African teams performing so well, you cannot help but think Nigeria would also have put in a strong performance,” he said.

“Looking at the quality and talent within the squad, I believe they would have been ready. Many of the players have matured, and some also gained valuable experience at the 2018 World Cup.”

Reflecting on the lessons from the failed campaign, Troost-Ekong said Nigeria should treat the disappointment as a turning point rather than another missed opportunity, stressing the need for the team to reassess its preparations before the next qualifying cycle begins.

“It would have been wonderful to see them compete, but I also think this serves as an important lesson. We need to reflect on our preparation and identify what needs to change in order to reach the next level ahead of the next World Cup,” he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that the players lacked commitment, insisting motivation had never been an issue within the Super Eagles camp.

“The players will continue working hard, sharing ideas, and doing everything possible to improve. I have never felt there was a lack of motivation or commitment from the players. I simply believe there are several areas that need to change, and this time those changes will be essential if the team is to succeed,” he said.

While Nigeria’s absence continues to hurt, Troost-Ekong said the strong showing of African teams at the tournament had given him reason for optimism, describing the gap between the continent and the traditional footballing powers as the smallest it has ever been.

Asked whether the ongoing edition could prove to be Africa’s breakthrough World Cup, following Morocco’s historic run to the semifinal in Qatar four years ago, the former captain said he believed the continent was on the verge of another leap forward.

“I think so. At the last World Cup, Morocco broke down those barriers and showed everyone what is possible. Based on what we have seen so far in this tournament, many African teams, players and individual performances have demonstrated that they can compete with the very best in the world,” he said.

“I am very hopeful that this could be the World Cup where an African team goes even further than Morocco did. If they reach that stage, hopefully they can go all the way.”

With Morocco set for a round of 16 clash against France on Thursday, Troost-Ekong named the Atlas Lions as the African side he believed still carried the continent’s hopes, while also praising the campaigns of Senegal and Ivory Coast before their eliminations.

“Morocco is definitely the first team that comes to mind. Senegal and Ivory Coast both did exceptionally well too, until their eliminations, and they were a bit unlucky,” he said.