2026 WCQ: NFF Rejects Blame On Ekong, Dessers For 1-1 Stalemate With South Africa

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has distanced itself from a arguable property merchandise that singled retired Captain Troost Ekong and Cyriel Dessers for blasted implicit the Super Eagles’ disappointing 1-1 gully against South Africa successful a important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying lucifer connected Tuesday.

Nigeria needed a triumph to support their hopes of securing an automatic qualification spot, but the result present leaves the squad six points adrift of radical leaders South Africa, jeopardising their chances of making the playoffs.

The statement, issued by the Communications Department of the NFF soon aft the match, straight attributed the effect to the mediocre performances of Ekong and Dessers astatine the Toyota Stadium successful Bloemfontein.

However, successful an interrogation with African Independent Television (AIT) connected Wednesday, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi clarified that the Federation did not authorisation the property merchandise that placed blasted connected idiosyncratic players. He expressed the NFF’s dissatisfaction with the concern and vowed to code the substance decisively.
“The Federation is pleased with the players, but not with the result, and we apologise to Nigerians for this disappointing outcome,” Sanusi said. “It was a achy result, but arsenic a believer, I cognize that immoderate comes is from God.”

Sanusi emphasised the corporate work of the team, stating, “When we win, it’s a corporate effort, and erstwhile we lose, we shouldn’t blasted idiosyncratic players. The NFF respects each its players.”

He further noted that Ekong has made important contributions to Nigerian football, citing his designation arsenic Player of the Tournament during the past AFCON successful Côte d’Ivoire.

Sanusi expressed disorder implicit however specified a property merchandise was generated and reaffirmed the NFF’s gratitude towards the players, careless of the lucifer outcome.

“No subordinate aims to people an ain goal; it was an unfortunate event,” helium commented. “The NFF, National Sports Commission, and the national authorities are supportive of our players adjacent arsenic we admit the disappointing result.”

Sanusi confirmed that the Federation is investigating the origins of the merchandise and volition instrumentality due actions.

The gully leaves Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes successful tatters. With conscionable 11 points from 8 matches, the Super Eagles hazard missing consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, having besides failed to suffice for the 2022 variation held successful Qatar.