2026 WC Qualifier: NFF Criticises Dessers, Faults Ekong After Super Eagles’ Draw With South Africa

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has openly criticised striker Cyriel Dessers and faulted team captain William Troost-Ekong following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday in Bloemfontein.

Nigeria, needing a win to revive fading hopes of qualifying for next year’s tournament in North America, suffered an early blow when Ola Aina limped off the pitch in the eighth minute.

Matters worsened in the 25th minute when Troost-Ekong turned the ball into his own net to hand Bafana Bafana the lead.

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey levelled just before halftime, but despite dominating possession after the break, the Eagles failed to find a winner.

Substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Chrisantus Uche all struggled to break down South Africa’s defence.

In a post-match statement released by NFF Director of Communications Dr. Ademola Olajire, Dessers was singled out for stern criticism.

“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he was a substitute that was substituted, did not fare better in Bloemfontein. He was too slow to latch onto passes, failed to win aerial duels, and offered little in attack,” the statement read.

The federation also faulted Troost-Ekong for his own goal, noting that it diminished the team’s momentum.

However, it praised Bassey for his resilience in scoring Nigeria’s equaliser just before the break.

Despite that moment of fightback, the NFF lamented the Eagles’ wastefulness in the second half, saying they “delivered little” and missed late opportunities through Arokodare and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

The draw leaves Nigeria with 11 points from eight games in Group C, while South Africa sit top with 17.

The Super Eagles must now beat Lesotho and Benin Republic in their remaining fixtures, while hoping rivals drop points, to stand any chance of reaching the next World Cup tournament to be jointly-hosted by three North American countries.