The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has voiced frustration following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Free State Stadium, describing the performance as below expectations and highlighting costly errors from key players.
In a statement by its Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the NFF singled out striker Cyriel Dessers for failing to live up to his billing.
“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he was a substitute that was later substituted, did not have a better game in Bloemfontein. He was too slow to latch onto passes, failed to win aerial duels, and did little to bring alive the Nigerian attack,” the statement read.
The Federation also referenced the unfortunate own goal by captain William Troost-Ekong in the 25th minute, which gave Bafana Bafana an early advantage.
“The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit was diminished for a period after team captain William Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net, wrong-footing goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and giving the South Africans great impetus,” the NFF noted.
Independent Analysis
While Dessers and Ekong were mentioned directly in the NFF’s communication, analysts suggest that Nigeria’s struggles extended beyond individual errors. The midfield lacked creativity, often failing to connect effectively with the attack, while defensive lapses created unnecessary pressure on Nwabali.
The equalizer provided some relief, but critics argue that the Eagles’ overall play lacked urgency and sharpness, raising concerns ahead of tougher fixtures in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Fans React
On social media, reactions were mixed. Some fans echoed the NFF’s criticism of Dessers, insisting that the forward has failed to justify his repeated call-ups. Others, however, faulted the Federation for “publicly scapegoating players” instead of focusing on tactical and managerial shortcomings.
“Blaming Dessers and Ekong alone won’t fix anything. The whole team looks uncoordinated, and the coaching staff must take responsibility,” wrote one supporter on X (formerly Twitter).
Group Standings After the Draw
The stalemate in Free State has left the qualification race wide open. Current standings in Nigeria’s group:
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South Africa – 8 points
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Nigeria – 6 points
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Rwanda – 6 points
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Zimbabwe – 5 points
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Lesotho – 5 points
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Benin – 4 points
With only the group winner guaranteed an automatic ticket to the FIFA World Cup, every point lost could prove decisive.
Upcoming Fixtures for Nigeria
The Super Eagles will next face:
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Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Benin 🇧🇯 – in Abuja
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Rwanda 🇷🇼 vs Nigeria 🇳🇬 – in Kigali
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Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Lesotho 🇱🇸 – in Uyo
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Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 vs Nigeria 🇳🇬 – in Harare
These fixtures are seen as must-win encounters if Nigeria is to reclaim top spot in the group and keep its World Cup hopes alive.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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