Cyriel Dessers and team captain William Troost-Ekong have come under public criticism from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa in Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
The Nigerian side entered the fixture in urgent need of a win to strengthen their hopes of reaching the tournament.
However, in the 25th minute, Troost-Ekong inadvertently put the ball into his own net, handing South Africa the lead.
Nigeria managed to equalize before the end of the first half through a powerful header by Calvin Bassey.
In a post-match statement released by Dr. Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Director of Communications, Dessers—who was substituted at halftime—was openly criticized for his performance.
“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 statement read.
Troost-Ekong was also blamed for handing the Bafana Bafana the opening goal.
“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,” the statement noted.
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