Nigeria vs Benin: 'We have to learn from our mistakes' - AFCON MVP declares war ahead of AFCONQ

Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has assured Nigerians that the team has learned from its recent struggles and is ready to bounce back when they face Benin Republic in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

Ekong was absent during the two World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic in June when the Super Eagles managed just one point from six - losing to Benin after a stalemate with South Africa.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament returned to the squad after returning from injury and will be leading the Super Eagles when they host the Cheetahs and Rwanda.

Speaking ahead of the match, Troost-Ekong acknowledged the team's disappointing performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after an impressive 2023 AFCON where they finished runners-up.

"We will be more ready. I think it happens, good teams face difficult moments," Troost-Ekong told The Lagos Voice.

However, he emphasised the team's commitment to learning from their mistakes. "We have to learn from those mistakes, so it is not going to be easy these two games against Benin and Rwanda away but I have a lot of belief in the team and we are going to prepare ourselves the best way we can."

Troost-Ekong also spoke about the challenge of facing their former coach, Gernot Rohr, who will be managing Benin in the upcoming match.

"We also have to give respect to Benin and our old coach Gernot Rohr. Like I said this is one of those things that we are better prepared for now and if anything even more motivated," he concluded.

Nigeria will play the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.