The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has criticised striker Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday in Bloemfontein.
The Super Eagles, under pressure to secure maximum points, endured a difficult evening that started on the wrong foot when defender Ola Aina limped off injured in the eighth minute. Their woes deepened in the 25th minute when Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Bafana Bafana the lead.
Nigeria managed to claw their way back into the game just before halftime. Defender Calvin Bassey, showing determination, charged forward and met a cross from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru with a firm header to beat South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Despite dominating possession in the second half, the Eagles failed to find a breakthrough.
Substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Chrisantus Uche struggled to make an impression, while Dessers was replaced at halftime after another uninspiring display.
In a statement by its Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the NFF expressed dissatisfaction with Dessers’ performance, describing him as ineffective in attack.
“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he ended up as a substitute that was substituted, did not fare any better in Bloemfontein. He was too slow to react to passes, failed to win aerial duels, and contributed little to the Eagles’ forward play,” the statement read.
The federation also lamented Troost-Ekong’s own goal, which they said dampened the team’s morale at a critical moment.
“The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit was diminished when team captain William Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, wrong-footing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and handing Bafana Bafana the lead,” it noted.
However, the NFF commended Bassey’s fighting spirit, saying his equaliser underlined the resilience needed at such a high level of competition.
Despite the result, Nigeria remain in the race with 11 points from eight matches, but South Africa sit comfortably at the top of Group C with 17 points. To stand any chance of qualifying for the World Cup in North America next year, the Super Eagles must defeat both Lesotho and Benin Republic while hoping other results tilt in their favour.
