The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally disowned a controversial post-match statement that singled out and criticised two Super Eagles players following their 1-1 draw with South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The statement, which was issued by the Federation’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, drew heavy attention after it targeted forward Cyriel Dessers for being “sluggish” and faulted captain William Troost-Ekong for the own goal that gifted Bafana Bafana their opening lead.
However, the NFF has now clarified that the comments do not represent its official position. Speaking on Wednesday, the Federation’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, expressed displeasure over the release, stressing that no individual player should be held responsible for the team’s performance.
“I saw the release just like everyone else did. Nobody in the Federation is happy with it,” Sanusi stated. “The NFF did not authorise that statement. We have great respect for all the players. Blaming an individual for a team result is unfair.”
Sanusi went further to emphasise the principle of collective responsibility in football, noting that both victories and setbacks are shared experiences.
“When we win, it’s a team victory. When we lose, it’s also collective. No player should be singled out,” he added.
The NFF’s position comes as a reassurance to players and fans alike, particularly in the case of Troost-Ekong, who has been one of the team’s most dependable figures. Sanusi pointed out that the defender, who was celebrated as the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, should not be unfairly criticised for what was an unfortunate moment.
“It was an unfortunate own goal. His intention was to clear the ball. Anyone who knows football understands that such things happen,” Sanusi explained.
The Federation also extended its backing to Dessers, who has been steadily working his way into the Super Eagles’ attacking setup. According to officials, scapegoating players risks creating unnecessary division within the squad at a time when unity is vital.
Sanusi expressed confidence that the players remain committed to regrouping and refocusing ahead of both the remaining World Cup qualifiers and their preparations for the upcoming AFCON tournament. He underlined that the NFF’s role is to support the players and technical crew, rather than to foster negativity.
“Our priority is the unity of the team. The focus now is on correcting mistakes, improving where necessary, and preparing stronger for the next games,” he concluded.
The clarification has been welcomed by many Nigerian football supporters, who were quick to criticise the original statement for its tone and divisiveness. As the Super Eagles continue their campaign, the NFF hopes the emphasis will return to teamwork, resilience, and a collective drive towards qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
