The Nigeria Football Federation has disowned a press statement that openly criticised Super Eagles players following their 1-1 draw against South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The controversial release, issued by the Federation’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, had singled out striker Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong. Dessers was described as “sluggish” while Ekong was faulted for scoring the own goal that gave Bafana Bafana the lead in Johannesburg.
But NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, in a swift reaction on Wednesday, dismissed the statement as “unauthorised” and “unrepresentative” of the body’s position.
“I saw the release like everyone else, and I can tell you nobody in the Federation is happy with it,” Sanusi said.
“The NFF never authorised that statement. We respect all our players, and it is unfair to blame an individual for a team’s performance.
Football is collective — when we win, we celebrate together, and when we lose, we bear it together.”
Sanusi, who described Troost-Ekong’s own goal as “unfortunate,” stressed that the defender remains one of Nigeria’s most dependable players, recalling his Most Valuable Player award at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
“It was a genuine clearance attempt that went wrong. Anyone who understands football knows these things happen,” he said.
The NFF scribe added that the team remains united and focused on upcoming fixtures. “Our house is in order.
There is no crisis. We are preparing strongly for the rest of the qualifiers and the AFCON in Morocco. The government, NFF and Nigerians are proud of the players’ commitment.”
He further disclosed that internal disciplinary measures would be taken against those responsible for the unauthorised release.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, six points behind leaders South Africa on 17.
The Super Eagles must now win their remaining games against Lesotho and Benin Republic while hoping for favourable results elsewhere to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
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