The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has distanced itself from a post-
match statement that criticized some Super Eagles players following the
team’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The statement, issued by the NFF’s Director of Communications,
Ademola Olajire, singled out forward Cyriel Dessers and captain
William Troost-Ekong for criticism. It accused Dessers of being sluggish
and faulted Ekong for the own goal that gave Bafana Bafana the lead.
However, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said on
Wednesday that the statement did not represent the official position of
the Federation. He added that the Federation regards the South Africa
match as a collective effort and will not support attempts to scapegoat
any player.
Sanusi described the targeted criticism of Troost-Ekong as unjustified,
noting that the defender had previously been celebrated as the Most
Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Côte
d’Ivoire.
Sanusi who also expressed confidence in the team’s unity, revealing that
efforts were ongoing to regroup and refocus ahead of the remaining
qualifiers and AFCON, made it clear that internal disciplinary action
would be taken over the unauthorised release.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers
with 11 points from eight matches while South Africa lead the group with
17 points.
The Super Eagles must now win their remaining games against Lesotho
and Benin Republic, and hope other results go their way to secure
qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
