Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong says he has the ambition of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The three-time African champions failed to qualify for the last edition of the Mundial hosted by Qatar.

The West Africans have also failed to record a win in their opening two games in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Troost-Ekong stated that he is looking forward to playing for Nigeria at the next World Cup despite the Super Eagles poor start.

“Yes, I will be available for the 2025 AFCON but the 2026 World Cup is my main target and I feel I am coming to the best year of my career. I feel good physically and I am recovering well now. I feel more motivated than before and to really be part of history and join some of the great stars who have won one trophy before,” the centre-back said in an interview with Segun Odegbami on Eagle FM.

“So that is one thing I really want to achieve in my career. And I know I need to play well at club level to put myself in the picture and we have the chance to do so hopefully next year in Morocco. It will be better than we did in Cote d’Ivoire.”

The Super Eagles will face South Africa and Benin in their next two games in the qualifiers.

Former Manchester Player, Lee Sharps wants former Paris Saint-Germain manager Unai Emery to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag’s long-term future at Man United is unclear because of the Re Devils’ performances this season.

Man United currently sit outside of the Premier League top four behind the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.

In a recent interview with DAZN, Sharpe said:

“If I were choosing and Erik ten Hag was to go, Unai Emery would be at the top of my list.

“I think given the support and the full backing, he could replicate what he has done at [Aston] Villa. I think he’d be a class manager for United.”

Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has insisted he was not expecting Cole Palmer to have a big impact at Chelsea.

Palmer joined the Blues from Manchester City in a £42 million deal in August.

The 21-year-old has now scored 20 Premier League goals and is joint-top scorer with former City teammate Erling Haaland.


When asked if he’s surprised at how many goals Palmer has scored since moving to Stamford Bridge, Pochettino responded: “We believe they can perform but it is true he is performing in a very good way; maybe above expectation. I think it’s his first consistent season playing but we need to be careful because he is still young, he is growing, he needs to develop in different areas.

“But of course, he is far away from what we expected from the beginning. I need to be honest.”