The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has come under heavy criticism after releasing its official match report on the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, September 9, at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
While the report provided a detailed breakdown of the match, a specific passage targeting striker Cyriel Dessers has been labelled “harsh” and “unprofessional”, raising concerns about whether the federation should be publicly faulting individual players.
The Match Recap
The NFF report began with a general overview of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying struggles:
“Nigeria’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals remain rough after the Super Eagles could only force South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to a 1-1 draw at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.”
The federation detailed how the Super Eagles started the game under pressure, and how an early setback disrupted their rhythm:
“The Group C leaders started with a scorching pace asking several questions from both wings of the Nigerian rearguard, and their fortune was helped somewhat after only eight minutes when wing-back Olaoluwa Aina sustained an injury while driving down to the right to ask his own questions of the Bafana defence.”
“He had to be replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel.”
Nigeria fell behind in the 25th minute when captain William Troost-Ekong scored an own goal, before defender Calvin Bassey restored parity on the stroke of halftime with a determined header.
“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.”
“Defender Calvin Bassey showed immense fighting spirit and resilience to get Nigeria back into the game with a minute left of the first period, when he ran with the ball upfront.”
“The ball found Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, whose pull-out Bassey met firmly to nod past Ronwen Williams for the leveller.”
The second half, however, produced little despite a few chances for substitutes Tolu Arokodare and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
“The second half promised so much but delivered little, though substitute Tolu Arokodare and Dele-Bashiru had opportunities to win it for Nigeria.”
Cyriel Dessers Singled Out
The most controversial passage in the statement was the NFF Communications’ blunt assessment of striker Cyriel Dessers, who only made his senior international debut a few days earlier in the qualifier against Rwanda.
The report read:
“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he turned out 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.”
This public criticism has sparked outrage among supporters, with many arguing that the federation should avoid singling out players and instead focus on collective performance.
Super Eagles’ Qualification Hopes Fading
The draw leaves Nigeria in deep trouble in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The draw means the Super Eagles are now on 11 points from 8 matches, with their next game away to Lesotho at the same venue on 10th October.”
Nigeria have had a faltering campaign, from missed opportunities and poor form in earlier matches which have doomed their chances when they;
- Drew at home to Lesotho
- Drew away to Zimbabwe at a neutral venue
- Allowed a last-minute goal at home against Zimbabwe to tie 1-1
- Were defeated away to Benin Republic despite taking the lead
Iwobi’s Historic Appearance Overshadowed
The game also marked a milestone for Alex Iwobi, who earned his 87th international cap, surpassing Nigerian legends Nwankwo Kanu and Muda Lawal to become the Super Eagles’ fifth-highest capped player.
However, the achievement was overshadowed by the team’s performance and result.
Nigeria’s World Cup Qualification End Road
As Nigeria prepares to face Lesotho on October 10, the focus will now be on whether coach Eric Chelle and his squad can revive faint hopes of making the playoffs — and whether the federation will change its approach to communication and player management.
