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‘They should forget it’ – Nigeria’s Super Eagles laugh off Zimbabwe’s WCQ win bonus
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has insisted that the team is fully prepared for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, regardless of the monetary incentives offered to their opponents.
Ahead of Tuesday’s clash in Uyo, the Zimbabwean government has promised each player a $150,000 (approximately N300 million) reward for a victory over Nigeria.
This move follows a similar incentive offered before their last match, which ended in a 2-2 draw against Benin.
Despite the financial motivation, Zimbabwe currently sit bottom of Group C with just three points from five matches.
The Warriors touched down in Nigeria on Saturday morning as they prepare for the crucial encounter.
However, Troost-Ekong is not bothered by the incentives, emphasizing that the Super Eagles’ primary goal is securing qualification for the World Cup.
“We read somewhere that the Zimbabweans are being motivated to come to Uyo and get a result,” said Troost-Ekong.
“They should forget it. We are hugely motivated by the ambition to play at the FIFA World Cup.
“Apart from myself and Alex (Iwobi) and perhaps a couple of others who were part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, this generation is hungry to play at the highest level.
“We want to make Nigeria proud and, at the same time, do ourselves proud.” he added.
Nigeria head into the game in strong form after securing a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali last week.
That win helped the Super Eagles climb from fifth to fourth in Group C, and another victory on Tuesday will further boost their qualification hopes.
With Troost-Ekong leading the charge, Nigeria will be aiming for all three points at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium as they continue their push for a place at the World Cup.