THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has openly criticised striker Cyriel Dessers and faulted captain William Troost-Ekong following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that the Eagles, desperate for a win to reignite their fading qualification hopes, endured a frustrating evening that has now left their World Cup chances hanging by a thread.
The game started on a sour note when Ola Aina was forced off with an injury in the eighth minute. Matters worsened in the 25th minute when skipper Troost-Ekong inadvertently put the ball into his own net, handing Bafana Bafana the lead and silencing the Nigerian supporters.
Nigeria managed to claw back just before half-time when Fulham defender Calvin Bassey rose highest to nod home after connecting with a Fisayo Dele-Bashiru cross, restoring parity and hope for the Eagles.
Despite dominating possession after the break, the Super Eagles failed to turn pressure into goals. Substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Chrisantus Uche all squandered chances to break down the well-drilled South African defence.
In a strongly worded post-match statement signed by NFF’s Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, the federation did not mince words about the team’s shortcomings.
On Dessers, who was substituted at half-time, the statement read: “Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he was a substitute that was later substituted, did not have a better outing in Bloemfontein.
:He was too slow to latch onto passes, failed to win aerial duels, and contributed little to sparking the Nigerian attack.”
The NFF also laid part of the blame on Ekong for his costly own goal: “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 Bafana the lead and momentum.”
However, the federation lauded Bassey for his determination: “Defender Calvin Bassey showed immense fighting spirit and resilience to get Nigeria back into the game. His equaliser just before half-time gave the Eagles hope at a crucial moment.”
The federation expressed disappointment with the Eagles’ second-half performance, lamenting that “despite dominating possession, the team delivered little and wasted late opportunities.”
With the draw, Nigeria now sits third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, trailing leaders South Africa, who boast 17 points. Benin Republic, with a game in hand, are level on points with Nigeria.
The Super Eagles must now defeat Lesotho and Benin Republic in their remaining fixtures and hope their rivals slip up if they are to stand any chance of booking a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in North America.