The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a strongly worded criticism of Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong following Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night in Bloemfontein.
The Eagles went into the game desperate for maximum points to revive their shaky qualification hopes, but endured a difficult start. Ola Aina was forced off after just eight minutes, and matters worsened when Troost-Ekong inadvertently put the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, gifting Bafana Bafana the lead.
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey restored parity with a well-placed header just before the break, but despite dominating possession in the second half, Nigeria failed to find a winner.
In a statement released by NFF Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the federation singled out Dessers — who was substituted at half-time — for a particularly poor showing.
The statement also faulted Troost-Ekong for the early own goal, noting that the incident dented Nigeria’s momentum and handed South Africa a psychological edge.
However, the federation commended Bassey for his determination and composure in grabbing the equaliser just before half-time.
Despite the bright spell, the NFF expressed disappointment with Nigeria’s lack of cutting edge after the break, lamenting missed chances by substitutes Tolu Arokodare and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
With the result, Nigeria sits third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, six points behind leaders South Africa, who have 17. The Super Eagles must now beat Lesotho and the Benin Republic in their remaining fixtures and hope other results go their way to keep their World Cup dream alive.
