The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved quickly to quell controversy after a statement appeared to pin Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa on individual players, Footynaija.com reports.
The post-match release, issued under the name of NFF’s Director of Communications Ademola Olajire, criticised striker Cyriel Dessers for being “sluggish” and faulted captain William Troost-Ekong for the own goal that handed Bafana Bafana the lead.
BREAKING: The Nigeria Football Federation has openly criticised Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers and faulted captain William Troost-Ekong after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein. pic.twitter.com/hbXcxoOLSU
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) September 10, 2025
But General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi insisted on Wednesday that the comments were unauthorised and do not reflect the Federation’s stance.
“I saw the release just like everyone else did. Nobody in the Federation is happy with it,” Sanusi said.
“The NFF did not authorise that statement. We have great respect for all the players. Blaming an individual for a team result is unfair.”
Sanusi stressed that the South Africa clash was a collective effort and warned against scapegoating.
“When we win, it’s a team victory. When we lose, it’s also collective. No player should be singled out,” he said.
The criticism of Troost-Ekong, he added, was particularly harsh given the defender’s track record.
Again I will say it!!
— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) September 10, 2025
Nigeria nor qualifying for the World Cup is not on the Players!!! Now they are trying to scapegoat Dessers and Ekong ♂️ pic.twitter.com/4j8kmtMWxK
“It was an unfortunate own goal. His intention was to clear the ball. Anyone who knows football understands that such things happen,” Sanusi said, reminding fans that the defender was named MVP at the 2023 AFCON.
Sanusi confirmed disciplinary steps would be taken over the unauthorised statement.
Nigeria sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, trailing leaders South Africa on 17. Wins against Lesotho and Benin Republic are now vital if the Super Eagles are to keep their slender 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
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