The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has criticised Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The federation also faulted captain William Troost-Ekong for his role in the disappointing result, which further dented Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
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The Eagles went into the game needing a victory to boost their fading hopes of qualifying for next year’s tournament in North America but suffered an early setback when Ola Aina limped off in the eighth minute.
Matters worsened in the 25th minute when Ekong inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to hand Bafana Bafana the lead.
Though Fulham defender Calvin Bassey equalised just before half-time, Nigeria failed to make their dominance count after the break, with substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Chrisantus Uche unable to breach the South African defence.
In its post-match statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, September 9, by NFF Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the federation singled out Dessers, who was withdrawn at half-time, for particular criticism.
“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 as he was too slow to latch onto passes,” the NFF stated.
“He could not win aerial balls and did little in bringing alive the Nigerian attack,” the statement added.
It also faulted the skipper for conceding the opener.
“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, the NFF reserved praise for Bassey, saying: “Defender Calvin Bassey showed immense fighting spirit and resilience to get Nigeria back into the game with a minute left of the first period.”
Still, it lamented the second-half display, noting that “despite dominating possession, the Eagles delivered little and failed to convert their chances.”
The result leaves Nigeria with 11 points from eight matches in Group C, while South Africa remain top with 17.
