The Nigeria Football Federation has distanced itself from a post-match statement that criticised some Super Eagles players following the team\u2019s 1-1 draw with South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.\n<\/p>\n
The statement, issued by the NFF\u2019s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, singled out forward Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong for criticism.\n<\/p>\n
It accused Dessers of being sluggish and faulted Ekong for the own goal that gave Bafana Bafana the lead.\n<\/p>\n
However, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday that the statement did not represent the official position of the Federation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw the release just like everyone else did. Nobody in the Federation is happy with it,\u201d Sanusi said.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NFF did not authorise that statement. We have great respect for all the players. Blaming an individual for a team result is unfair.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
He added that the Federation regards the South Africa match as a collective effort and will not support attempts to scapegoat any player.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we win, it\u2019s a team victory. When we lose, it\u2019s also collective. No player should be singled out,\u201d Sanusi said.\n<\/p>\n
He described the targeted criticism of Troost-Ekong as unjustified, noting that the defender had previously been celebrated as the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was an unfortunate own goal. His intention was to clear the ball. Anyone who knows football understands that such things happen,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Sanusi also expressed confidence in the team\u2019s unity, revealing that efforts were ongoing to regroup and refocus ahead of the remaining qualifiers and AFCON.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cOur house is in order. We\u2019re preparing for the rest of the qualifiers and the AFCON in Morocco,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no problem with our players or coaching crew. Our relationship remains cordial. The government and the NFF are proud of the players\u2019 efforts.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
The Federation had initially praised Calvin Bassey for his equalising goal and lamented the team\u2019s failure to convert second-half chances.<\/p>\n
But Sanusi made it clear that internal disciplinary action would be taken over the unauthorised release.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI can assure you the NFF will take action on the matter,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers with 11 points from eight matches. South Africa lead the group with 17 points.\n<\/p>\n
The Super Eagles must now win their remaining games against Lesotho and Benin Republic and hope other results go their way to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.\n<\/p>\n
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