The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has come down hard on the Super Eagles players following their underwhelming 1-1 draw with South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier held in Bloemfontein.
In a statement released by the NFF’s Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the players were blasted for what was described as a lackluster and uninspiring performance that fell short of the nation’s expectations.
Some of the main targets of the NFF’s criticism were the team’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, and striker Cyriel Dessers, who the federation claimed had yet another poor showing.
The statement reads; “Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he became a substitute that was substituted, fared no better this time. He was too slow to latch onto passes, failed to win aerial duels, and did little to ignite the Nigerian attack.”
“The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit took a major hit after Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net. It handed Bafana Bafana the advantage and momentum.”
“Bassey showed immense fighting spirit and resilience to bring Nigeria back into the game.“
“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 in bringing alive the Nigerian attack.”
“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 draw leaves Nigeria with 11 points from eight matches in Group C, while South Africa remain top with 17 points.
For the Super Eagles to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America, they must win their remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic and hope their rivals drop points along the way.
