William Troost-Ekong will be looking forward to taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations after Nigeria’s qualification was confirmed before they even kicked a ball to claim an injury-time 1-0 victory over Benin.

A goalless draw between Lesotho and Sierra Leone had secured Nigeria’s route through to the finals in Cameroon next year before their two Group L rivals kicked off later yesterday.

The Hornets defender captained his nation, but it looked like another goalless draw was on the cards until substitute Paul Onuachu snatched the win in the third minute of injury time to guarantee the Nigerians top spot in their group.

Adam Masina is another Hornets defender who will be hoping to make the finals after Morocco were confirmed as Group E winners following a goalless draw in Mauritania on Friday.

The Watford-left-back, who had been called up by his nation of birth for the first time, played the full 90 minutes as Morocco maintained their five-point advantage at the summit of their group.

Masina became the fifth Hornets player to make his senior international debut this week after Andre Gray, Kane Crichlow, Dan Phillips and Bayli Spencer-Adams all represented their respective nations for the first time.