The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has ignited a firestorm of controversy after criticising captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Cyriel Dessers following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa in a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Nigerians have begun to react after the NFF released the statement criticising Troost-Ekong and Dessers.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this comes after the Super Eagles were only able to secure one point in a match that was important to revive their slim hopes of topping Group C.
Under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles lined up with a blend of experience and youth, featuring Ekong in defense and Dessers stepping in for the injured Victor Osimhen up front.
However, the game took a disastrous turn in the 25th minute when Ekong deflected a cross from South Africa’s Evidence Makgopa into his own net, wrong-footing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
This own goal handed South Africa the lead. However, Nigeria responded swiftly, as Fulham defender Calvin Bassey rose highest to head home an equalizer from a corner just before halftime, restoring parity and injecting some optimism into the squad.
The second half saw the Super Eagles dominate possession, with substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Chrisantus Uche introduced to add fresh impetus.
Yet, despite several chances, the Super Eagles couldn’t break down South Africa’s defense led by coach Hugo Broos.
The draw leaves Nigeria on 11 points, mathematically out of contention barring a miraculous points deduction for South Africa due to an earlier administrative error involving an ineligible player.
In a strongly worded post-match statement released by NFF Director of Communications Dr. Ademola Olajire, the federation did not hold back in apportioning blame.
The statement reads: “2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Eagles draw 1-1 with Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein
“Nigeria’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals remains rough after the Super Eagles could only force South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to a 1-1 draw at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
“The Group C leaders started with a scorching pace asking several questions from both wings of the Nigerian rearguard, and their fortune was helped somewhat after only eight minutes when wing-back Olaoluwa Aina sustained an injury while driving down to the right to ask his own questions of the Bafana defence. He had to be replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel.
“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, could not win aerial balls, and did little to bring the Nigerian attack to life.
“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.
“Defender Calvin Bassey showed immense fighting spirit and resilience to get Nigeria back into the game with a minute left of the first period, when he ran with the ball upfront. The ball found Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, whose pull-out Bassey met firmly to nod past Ronwen Williams for the leveller.
“The second half promised so much but delivered little, though substitute Tolu Arokodare and Dele-Bashiru had opportunities to win it for Nigeria.
“The draw means the Super Eagles are now on 11 points from 8 matches, with their next game away to Lesotho at the same venue on 10th October.”
Following the release of the statement, many Nigerians have criticised the NFF for blaming, Troost-Ekong and Dessers.
Some Nigerians questioned why the NFF threw the Super Eagles players under the bus.
Below are some reactions;
