The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has blamed the duo of Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong, for the country’s unfortunate 1-1 draw with South Africa in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening.
The Super Eagles needed all three points from the crucial duel to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2026 Mundial.
But the three-time African champions conceded in the 25th minute, after Troost-Ekong slided the ball into his own net.
However, Nigeria levelled just before the break, thanks to Calvin Bassey’s powerful header.
In a post-match statement issued by the NFF Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, Dessers, who was withdrawn at half-time, was heavily criticised for the Bloemfontein stalmate.
“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.