Super Eagles captain reveals mindset in World Cup qualification

Despite their strong pedigree, the Super Eagles no longer control their own destiny in Group C, with Benin leading on goal difference and Bafana Bafana level on points.

Troost-Ekong says Nigeria’s focus is on delivering their part on the pitch and trusting that results elsewhere will fall in their favour, as they continue their push for a place at next year’s global showpiece in USA, Canada and Mexico.

"There's been a lot of changes, I mean three years is a long time to qualify for a tournament, but we can't go back in time and our focus now is on what's ahead," said Troost-Ekong.

"I think the point about Lesotho playing freely and for us to perform, we are also focussed and we have to enjoy on the pitch, I think that's our main focus now.

"It's just something we will think about and, of course, we have a very difficult run now to correct some of the things that didn't go right maybe two years ago.

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"But it's still possible, and I think each of the last five press conferences in which I've been part of this World Cup squad, we've said the same things – we believe in ourselves and the opportunity [to qualify] is still there.

"And as long as it's there, we're not going to stress ourselves about the maths, we just have to focus on doing what we can, with these next two games – starting with Lesotho, to give ourselves the best chance.

"So the players want to qualify maybe more than anyone in Nigeria, and to be at the World Cup, and we are doing everything in our power to make sure that happens, and the rest we leave in the hands of God, and we try to control what we can control."