The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sharply criticised Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers and faulted team captain William Troost-Ekong following Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday in Bloemfontein.
Needing maximum points to keep alive their chances of qualifying for next year’s tournament in North America, the Eagles were dealt an early blow when Ola Aina limped off in the eighth minute. The setback deepened in the 25th minute when Troost-Ekong inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, gifting Bafana Bafana the lead.
Nigeria, however, drew level just before half-time when Calvin Bassey powered in a header after connecting with a Fisayo Dele-Bashiru cross. Despite dominating possession in the second half, the Eagles failed to make their superiority count as chances went begging, with substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Chrisantus Uche unable to breach the resilient South African defence.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the NFF Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the federation singled out Dessers for particular criticism, describing his performance as disappointing.
“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive outing in Uyo where he became a substitute that was substituted, failed to improve in Bloemfontein. He was too slow to latch onto passes, ineffective in aerial duels, and unable to spark Nigeria’s attack into life,” the statement read.
The federation also faulted captain Troost-Ekong for the costly own goal that handed South Africa the opener.
“The Super Eagles’ momentum was broken when captain William Troost-Ekong swept the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, wrong-footing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and gifting Bafana Bafana the lead,” the NFF noted.
However, the NFF reserved praise for Bassey, hailing the Fulham defender for his “fighting spirit and resilience” in restoring parity before half-time.
“With a minute left of the first period, Bassey ran forward, combined with Dele-Bashiru, and firmly nodded past Ronwen Williams to bring Nigeria level,” the statement added.
But the federation was critical of the overall second-half display, lamenting that despite Nigeria’s dominance in possession, the Eagles created little threat and failed to convert late opportunities.
The result leaves Nigeria on 11 points from eight matches in Group C, while South Africa remain top with 17 points. With just two games left, the Super Eagles must now beat Lesotho and Benin Republic and also hope that their group rivals slip up if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
