As the Super Eagles gear up for a highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations semifinal showdown against Morocco, William Troost-Ekong and Ola Aina have sent messages of encouragement to the national team players and coaching staff led by Eric Chelle, expressing pride and confidence in their achievements.

Troost-Ekong was initially included in the Super Eagles provisional squad for the ongoing tournament in Morocco, but withdrew from the final squad after calling time on his international career in the days leading up to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina was also included in the preliminary squad, but a hamstring injury he sustained during a World Cup qualifier against South Africa left him short of match fitness ahead of the Afcon, ultimately ruling him out of the final squad.

The Super Eagles enter Wednesday night's semifinal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat brimming with confidence, having won all their matches at Afcon 2025, the only team to achieve a perfect record. 

In a message posted on the Super Eagles' social media accounts, Ola Aina highlighted the collective effort behind Nigeria's success.

"I want to wish you all the very best in the semi-finals — to the players, technical crew, managers, coaches, physios, doctors, and everyone who has been doing a fantastic job," Aina said.

"It has been amazing watching you play the way you know you can play. This is a quick message to all of you: do your best, and all the best of luck. I will be rooting for you from home, sending you all my prayers and well wishes."

Meanwhile,  former Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, shared an emotional message reflecting his pride in the team’s journey.

"My brothers, the day is here. I cannot tell you how excited I am to watch you guys beat Morocco tonight. I just want to start by saying I am more than proud to be part of the team and what you guys are achieving is giving me so much energy," he said.

"I've had a chance to speak to everyone here, whether on the radio or online, and it’s all about the Super Eagles — game after game, getting better and better. Coach, I have to say, your diamond in midfield and the rotation is working now, so I can't wait to watch the game later. If you win this game against Morocco, you guys are going to lift the trophy."

Troost-Ekong also offered words of guidance to the players, urging them to enjoy the moment and stay united.

"Stick together, enjoy the moment. Some of you are experiencing playing in the semi-finals for the first time, enjoy it because these will be some of the best moments of your life. Fight for each other and, at the end of the day, you want to look in the mirror and say you did your absolute best. Continue to do what you're doing now; you're going to win this game. I'm going to be supporting, shouting at my TV. I love you guys, I believe in you, and go win that game. Let Morocco hear your words. God bless."

The Super Eagles and Atlas Lions face each other in the Afcon semifinals for only the second time, with Nigeria winning their previous encounter 1–0 in 1980.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel