Are set-pieces Super Eagles' Achilles heel? Troost-Ekong responds after 2 goals conceded in 2 games

Speaking after the 2-1 loss to Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, William Troost-Ekong has admitted that the Super Eagles need to do better when defending set pieces ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and other forthcoming games.

Nigeria conceded the first goal against the Wasps from a set-piece when Ange Mutsinzi headed in Jojea Kwizera' free kick, delivered from the left side of the host's defence.

The only goal they conceded in the previous fixture against Benin was also from a corner-kick, though Stanley Nwabali could have easily dealt with the chance, as the header from Mohamed Tijani shockingly passed through his legs.

The two goals conceded in the past two games have raised concerns about the Super Eagles' ability to defend properly from set-piece situations.

Asked about Rwanda's first goal being similar to that conceded against Benin in his post-match media duties, Troost-Ekong admitted that they need to do better when defending set pieces.

"It is not completely identical. I think we have to take responsibility for the set pieces; it is now two games and two goals conceded. It is something we have to work on," Troost-Ekong told reporters. 

"I also think when we have some changes in the team, there are some different roles again, but I will take responsibility as much as I think other players, attackers, defenders, everyone that we need to do better. Because set-pieces can be very key to a game.

"I think today the set-piece changed the momentum because I thought before that, I can't remember them having a shot on target or working the goalkeeper. 

"So, we were caught a little bit off guard there and something we need to improve and if there was a game it could happen, this was the game. 

"From here on in March, and everything else we have got coming next year, there won't be any room for those kind of mistakes"

Nigeria were solid for most of the qualification 2025 AFCON qualification campaign as they didn't concede any goal from open play and will need to repeat that in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers as well as defending set-pieces better.

The three-time African champions' next fixture comes up in March against Rwanda in the World Cup qualifiers.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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