Every stunning African victory at this FIFA World Cup has stirred two emotions in William Troost-Ekong.

The first is pride.

The second is an inescapable sense of what might have been.

As Morocco, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire have stood toe-to-toe with football’s traditional powerhouses, the former Super Eagles captain has watched with admiration—and with the lingering disappointment of knowing Nigeria is once again absent from the world’s biggest sporting stage.

For a player who has worn the green and white with distinction and led the Super Eagles through some of their defining moments, every African success serves as both inspiration and painful reminder.

In Troost-Ekong’s mind, Nigeria belonged among the continent’s standard-bearers.

“I think the motivation has always been there,” he said.

“All of us are incredibly eager to see Nigeria back at the World Cup, and missing out again only increases that desire.”

There is no bitterness in his assessment—only conviction.

Conviction that Nigeria possesses enough quality to compete with the world’s finest. Conviction that the country’s prolonged absence from the World Cup is not a reflection of a lack of talent, but of opportunities missed.

“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.”

Rather than dwell on disappointment, Troost-Ekong believes Nigeria must confront uncomfortable truths if the Super Eagles are to reclaim their place among football’s elite.

“It would have been wonderful to see them compete, but I also think this serves as an important lesson,” he said.

“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.”

“The players will continue working hard, sharing ideas, and doing everything possible to improve.”

For the experienced defender, the issue has never been desire.

“I have never felt there was a lack of motivation or commitment from the players,” he said. “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.”

Africa’s football revolution

If Nigeria’s absence remains a personal disappointment, Africa’s collective rise has become one of the tournament’s defining stories.

The gap that once separated African nations from Europe’s and South America’s established giants, Troost-Ekong believes, is rapidly disappearing.

He points to Morocco’s historic run at the last World Cup as the moment perceptions began to shift. What once seemed extraordinary is now becoming increasingly expected.

“I think so,” he said when asked whether this could become Africa’s breakthrough World Cup.

“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.”

“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.”

Morocco carrying a continent’s dream

Among Africa’s remaining contenders, Morocco stand tallest in Troost-Ekong’s estimation.

As the Atlas Lions prepare for a mouth-watering Round of 16 showdown with France on Thursday, July 9, they do so carrying not only their own ambitions but also the hopes of millions across the continent.

“Morocco is definitely the first team that comes to mind,” he said.

“Senegal and Ivory Coast both did exceptionally well too until their eliminations, and they were a bit unlucky.”

For African football, the stakes extend beyond qualification for the quarter-finals.

Every victory chips away at decades-old assumptions about where the continent belongs in world football. Every upset strengthens the belief that an African nation can finally lift the FIFA World Cup.

Discovering South Africa beyond football

Away from tactical analysis and television studios, Troost-Ekong has embraced a very different World Cup experience.

Now part of SuperSport’s broadcast team, he has enjoyed freedoms rarely afforded to elite footballers competing at major tournaments.

“I have really enjoyed it,” he said.

“It has been great being part of the SuperSport team and meeting some amazing current and former players.”

“Although it has been a little colder than I am used to, I have had a fantastic time. It is also the first time in many years that I have been in South Africa without being here as a player.”

“When you are playing, you are naturally a bit more restricted in terms of what you can and cannot do. This time, I have been able to take everything in and experience some of the best parts of South Africa whenever I have not been working.”

The football has been memorable, but so too has everything beyond it.

“Absolutely,” he laughed when asked whether he had enjoyed South Africa’s food and culture.

“I have enjoyed some great food, listened to good music in all the right places, and had one or two drinks since it is my off-season.”

“It has been nice to enjoy everything outside of work because, once I head back home, it will be time to focus on my other job, which is still playing football. Pre-season will begin, and everything will become much more serious again.”

For now, Troost-Ekong remains an observer rather than a participant—a respected analyst watching from the studio instead of marshalling Nigeria’s defence on the pitch.

Yet beneath every observation lies the same quiet determination.

The next time the world’s biggest football tournament comes around, he wants the Super Eagles to be more than spectators.

And if Morocco can overcome France and continue their remarkable journey, they will keep alive not only their own dream but also that of an entire continent still waiting for its defining World Cup triumph.

[Written from an article by SuperSport]