The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has disowned a post-match statement that criticized Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Cyriel Dessers after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in the Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The statement, purportedly issued under the name of NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, accused Dessers of being sluggish and faulted Troost-Ekong for the own goal that gave Bafana Bafana the lead.
It read in part: “Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he was a substitute that was substituted, did not have a better game as he was too slow to latch onto passes, could not win aerial balls and did little in bringing alive the Nigerian attack.”
On Troost-Ekong, it added: “The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit was diminished for a period after team captain William Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, wrong-footing Stanley Nwabali to give the Bafana the lead and great impetus.”
However, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, has stated that the statement did not represent the official position of the Federation.
“I saw the release just like everyone else did. Nobody in the Federation is happy with it; the NFF did not authorise that statement. We have great respect for all the players. Blaming an individual for a team result is unfair.
“When we win, it’s a team victory. When we lose, it’s also collective. No player should be singled out. Ekong’s own goal was unfortunate—his intention was to clear the ball. Anyone who knows football understands that such things happen,” Sanusi said.
He further assured that the Federation remains united and focused on the remaining qualifiers and the upcoming AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
“Our house is in order. We’re preparing for the rest of the qualifiers and the AFCON in Morocco. There’s no problem with our players or coaching crew. The government and the NFF are proud of the players’ efforts,” he added.
Sanusi confirmed that internal disciplinary action would be taken over the unauthorised release.
“I can assure you the NFF will take action on the matter,” he stated.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, while South Africa lead with 17 points. Nigeria must win their remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October and hope other results go in their favour to keep their qualification hopes alive.
