The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has criticized two key players, Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong, following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa in Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier.

The Super Eagles went into the match needing all three points to keep their qualification hopes alive. However, the game took a difficult turn in the 25th minute when Troost-Ekong accidentally diverted the ball into his own net, handing the Bafana Bafana an early lead.

Nigeria fought back just before halftime, with Calvin Bassey heading home the equalizer. Despite the lifeline, the team failed to secure a winner.

In a post-match statement, NFF’s Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, singled out Dessers for his poor performance, noting that the forward struggled to keep up with play, lost aerial duels, and failed to add spark to Nigeria’s attack. Dessers was eventually substituted at halftime.

Troost-Ekong also came under fire for the own goal, which the NFF said disrupted the team’s rhythm and gave South Africa a major boost.

The draw leaves Nigeria’s qualification chances hanging in the balance, with just two games remaining to secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.