This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
Nigeria defender William Troost-Ekong said the team was fired up by their shock 2-0 group stage defeat by Madagascar, which they hope will motivate them to overcome Cameroon in their next match.
The Super Eagles won their first two games in Alexandria but were surprisingly pipped to top spot in Group B by newcomers Madagascar after an underwhelming display in their final match.
“Everyone was upset about the last game against Madagascar so I think everyone has that extra motivation. It’s do or die because we know we have to do everything to stay in the tournament,” Troost-Ekong told reporters on Friday ahead of the last-16 tie.
Cameroon, the defending Africa Cup of Nations champions, will be a tough opponent for Nigeria, but Troost-Ekong is confident that his team can rise to the challenge.
“It’s going to be a tough game against Cameroon. We faced them in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers and they might be out for revenge so we have to be ready for them,” he said.
