Nigeria’s Super Eagles have won four of the five AFCON qualifiers and are at the top of Group A with 12 points.
Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has stressed that Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe is not just a rubber game, Soccernet.ng reported.
José Peceiro’s side have already secured a spot to face other African teams in the 2023 AFCON tournament to be held in Ivory Coast in January 2024.
Nigeria, who won four of their five AFCON qualifying matches, lead Group A with 12 points, comfortably two points ahead of Guinea-Bissau, who have 10 points.
Trost-Ekong said in the pre-match press conference that the team is approaching every match with pride and determination.
“It’s never a ‘dead rubber game’ because I think it’s a matter of pride to play for Nigeria. We’re all very honored to be here. We put on a good show. I want to show and finish this group in the best way possible,” he explained.
He continued: “We are treating this game like any other game in the group.” The best chance to build a winning culture for the next game and to qualify for the World Cup. They want to win as a group while giving themselves the same. So I don’t believe that statement (dead rubber game). And I think you all saw the training yesterday and a few days ago, the players are all very hungry and have the same idea of wanting to bring it into tomorrow’s game. .
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are determined to end their qualifying campaign on a high as they take on Sao Tome at the Uyo Stadium.
