Speaking after the team’s second training session at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Ekong said morale in camp is high and that the players are united in their mission to begin this qualifying window with a win.
“We are optimistic. We’re always going to fight to the end,” Ekong said. “We believe, we never stop believing. Two important games now—Friday the first one—and then after this we get back to Nigeria, but all focus now on Lesotho. The boys are focused and the spirit is high.”
The centre-back, who has been a consistent voice of leadership in the national team, noted that the Super Eagles’ belief in qualification has never wavered, regardless of outside pressure or public opinion.
“It’s been the same for us all along. We have to win these games. It’s good that everyone else now sees the opportunity, but we saw it before. Like I said, we’re very optimistic and focused on Friday’s game.”
The Nigerian camp received a boost on Wednesday with the arrivals of Zaidu Sanusi and Akor Adams, bringing the number of players in camp to 20 at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane. Only USA-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf was still being expected as of Thursday.
Head coach Eric Chelle has had to navigate late injury setbacks that forced changes to his initial 23-man list. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Cyriel Dessers, and Felix Agu were ruled out, prompting late call-ups for Christantus Uche of Crystal Palace and defender Sanusi. Meanwhile, Russia-based winger Olakunle Olusegun is yet to secure a South African entry visa and remains doubtful for the fixture.
Vice-captain Wilfred Ndidi emphasized the importance of staying grounded and taking each match as it comes, especially with another crucial tie against Benin Republic to follow.
“You know where we are at the moment, and these two games are very crucial. But first of all, we focus on the Lesotho one, then we look towards the Benin game. The most important thing right now is the Lesotho game,” he said.
Defender Calvin Bassey also highlighted the team’s experience and composure as key assets in handling pressure moments.
“We just have to remain calm and do what we have to do. This is not the first time, club or country, that any one of us has been in high-pressure moments. We’ve got an experienced team to handle this situation,” Bassey noted.
Forward Terem Moffi added that the players are confident of earning a positive result in Polokwane.
“We’re really confident about qualifying for the World Cup. We have to do our part and wait for the result of the other team. We’re confident things will go our way.”
The Super Eagles will face Lesotho on Friday at 6 p.m. local time (5 p.m. Nigeria time), aiming to collect maximum points to strengthen their position in the qualification race before returning home to play Benin Republic.