2026 WC Qualifier: NFF Denies Rebuking Ekong, Dessers Over 1-1 Draw With South Africa

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has distanced itself from a controversial press release that singled out Captain Troost Ekong and Cyriel Dessers for blame following the Super Eagles’ disappointing 1-1 draw against South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday.

Nigeria needed a victory to maintain their hopes of securing an automatic qualification spot at the mundial, but the outcome now leaves the team six points adrift of group leaders South Africa, jeopardising their chances of making the playoffs.

The statement, issued by the Communications Department of the NFF shortly after the match, directly attributed the result to the poor performances of Ekong and Dessers at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

But, in an interview with African Independent Television (AIT) on Wednesday, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, clarified that the Federation did not sanction the press release that placed blame on individual players. He expressed the NFF’s dissatisfaction with the situation and vowed to address the matter decisively.

“The Federation is pleased with the players, but not with the result, and we apologise to Nigerians for this disappointing outcome,” Sanusi said. “It was a painful result, but as a believer, I know that whatever comes is from God.”

Sanusi emphasised the collective responsibility of the team, stating, “When we win, it’s a collective effort, and when we lose, we shouldn’t blame individual players. The NFF respects all its players.”

He further noted that Ekong has made significant contributions to Nigerian football, citing his recognition as ‘Player of the Tournament’ during the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. Sanusi expressed confusion over how such a press release was generated and reaffirmed the NFF’s gratitude towards the players, regardless of the match outcome.

“No player aims to score an own goal; it was an unfortunate event,” he commented. “The NFF, National Sports Commission, and the federal government are supportive of our players even as we acknowledge the disappointing result.”

Sanusi confirmed that the Federation was investigating the origin of the press release and will take appropriate actions.

The draw leaves Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes in tatters. With just 11 points from eight matches, the Super Eagles risk missing consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 edition held in Qatar.