The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has openly criticised Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong following the team’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.
The result dealt a blow to Nigeria’s qualifying hopes, leaving them with 11 points from eight matches in Group C, while South Africa remain top with 17 points.
The Super Eagles suffered an early setback when Ola Aina limped off in the 8th minute, and things worsened when Troost-Ekong scored an own goal in the 25th minute to give Bafana Bafana the lead.
“The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit was diminished for a period after team captain William Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net… wrong-footing Stanley Nwabali,” the NFF said in a post-match statement issued by its Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire.
Calvin Bassey equalised just before half-time with a well-timed header after a setup by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and was one of the few players praised for his performance.
“Defender Calvin Bassey showed immense fighting spirit and resilience… meeting Dele-Bashiru’s pull-out firmly to nod past Ronwen Williams for the leveller,” the statement read.
However, the NFF directed pointed criticism at striker Cyriel Dessers, who was substituted at half-time.
“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he turned out to be a substitute that was substituted, did not have a better game… too slow to latch onto passes, could not win aerial balls, and did little in bringing alive the Nigerian attack,” the federation stated.
The NFF also expressed disappointment with the team’s second-half display, despite having more possession. Substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Chrisantus Uche failed to capitalize on late chances.
“Despite dominating possession in the second half, the Super Eagles delivered little,” the NFF lamented.
Nigeria must now win their remaining matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic, and also hope that South Africa and other Group C rivals drop points, to stand any chance of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
