Sports
NFF denies controversial statement after Super Eagles’ draw with South Africa
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has publicly disavowed a post-match statement that targeted specific Super Eagles players after their 1-1 draw against South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
The statement, released by Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Director of Communications, specifically criticized forward Cyriel Dessers for lackluster performance and captain William Troost-Ekong for scoring an own goal that put South Africa ahead.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s world cup bid under pressure after 1-1 draw with South Africa
However, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi clarified on Wednesday that the statement did not reflect the Federation’s official stance.
“I saw the release just like everyone else did. Nobody in the Federation is happy with it,” Sanusi said.
“The NFF did not authorise that statement. We have great respect for all the players. Blaming an individual for a team result is unfair.”
Sanusi emphasized that the Federation views the South Africa game as a team effort and rejects any attempts to single out players for blame.
“When we win, it’s a team victory. When we lose, it’s also collective. No player should be singled out,” Sanusi said.
He defended Troost-Ekong, calling the criticism unwarranted, especially given the defender’s accolade as the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
“It was an unfortunate own goal. His intention was to clear the ball. Anyone who knows football understands that such things happen,” he said.
Sanusi also expressed optimism about the team’s cohesion, noting ongoing preparations to regroup for the remaining World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming AFCON in Morocco.
“Our house is in order. We’re preparing for the rest of the qualifiers and the AFCON in Morocco,” he said.
“There’s no problem with our players or coaching crew. Our relationship remains cordial. The government and the NFF are proud of the players’ efforts.”
While the NFF initially commended Calvin Bassey for his equalizing goal and expressed disappointment over missed second-half opportunities, Sanusi confirmed that the unauthorized statement would face internal consequences.
“I can assure you the NFF will take action on the matter,” he said.
Nigeria currently ranks third in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers with 11 points from eight matches, trailing South Africa, who lead with 17 points.
To qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles must win their upcoming matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic and rely on favorable results elsewhere.
Godswill Akpabio, Nigerian Senate President on Sunday hailed the Super Eagles for securing bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, saying the efforts put in securing the victory reflected the Nigerian spirit.
Conveying his excitement through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, Akpabio said in a statement, hours after the team secured a place on the medals list, after beating their Egyptian counterparts of penalties that the feat would be an inspiration to other Nigerians.
Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, quoted his boss as saying: “On behalf of my family, constituents and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Super Eagles on their outstanding achievement in securing the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“The match against the Pharaohs of Egypt was a testament to your skills and determination, and I commend you for your exceptional performance. Your victory is a reflection of the talent and resilience that Nigeria is known for, and we are proud to have you represent our country on the international stage.
“I urge you to celebrate this achievement with pride and use it as a motivation to strive for even greater heights in your future endeavours. Your achievement is a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians, and we look forward to seeing your continued success.
“Once again, congratulations to the Super Eagles on this remarkable achievement. May your bronze medal serve as a reminder of your capabilities and the heights you can reach with hard work and determination.”
Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President, spared no words in eulogising the strong statement the Super Eagles of Nigeria, has been making since the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicked off on December 21 Morocco, one of them the decisive trouncing of the Desert Foxes of Algeria on Saturday.
Conveying his sentiments through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, the Senate President, who described the Super Eagles as the pride of the nation, expressed great delight that by the victory, Nigeria had secured a spot in the Semi-Finals, urging the team to go for the top prize, which is the gold trophy itself.
Hear him: “I heartily congratulate the Super Eagles on their impressive 2-0 victory over Algeria, securing a well-deserved spot in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations,” Akpabio said while reacting to the outcome of the match played Saturday in Marrakech.
“I must say, you’re the pride of the nation. This achievement is a testament to the team’s unwavering dedication, resilience, and teamwork,” the Senate President told the high-flying Super Eagles.
Urging the players to maintain their focus and momentum as they face hosts Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday, he added: “We are proud of you; the 10th Senate and all Nigerians are behind you, cheering you on to bring home the trophy.”
In a surprising move that sent a buzz within the Nigerian sports circle, William Troost-Ekong, Super Eagles Captain, who led the team to win the silver medal two years ago, has just announced that he is quitting the team and international football, meaning Eric Chelle, Coach of the senior national team will now have to look for another leader.
In an outing titled: Honoured, Grateful, Forever a Super Eagle, he wrote: “Today, I’m announcing my retirement from international football. In 2015, a late call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life. A month later, the Big Boss gave me my debut. His belief in me ignited the desire to follow his footsteps.
“Every single time I put on the iconic shirt to walk out onto the pitch I have thought about that exact moment. Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams. I’m grateful to my fans, coaches, and teammates. Wearing the Super Eagles armband and representing more than 230 million Nigerians was an honour I will forever cherish.
“Nigeria took me in and trust me to lead and represent a nation of +230 million. From a boy born and raised in the Netherlands, to the Oyinbo Wall, and eventually skippo is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.
“To have achieved 83 senior caps, played in five major tournaments, three medals, and broken a few records, I really lived my dreams. A bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, followed by playing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and three incredible AFCON tournaments, with a bronze and recently a silver medal, will remain unforgettable.”
“To every coach, member of staff,and most importantly my teammates and now brothers past and present, who has been part of my international journey, thank you.”
Recalling the emotions that went into the 2023 AFCON tournament, where he captained Nigeria to the final, scored in the decisive match, and was named Player of the Tournament, he added: “Being able to lead Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON, scoring in the final, and being named Player of the Tournament, was something so special.
“Till this day I still wish for a different ending. Becoming the highest scoring defender in AFCON history is a honour I share with every teammate who was part of those moments. I am at peace knowing that throughout all these milestones, I gave everything I had, not just for myself but to try and inspire the next generations, the same way I was inspired by the legends I looked up to.”
To the younger generation, he said he had the pleasure to fight shoulder to shoulder with them, adding: “It’s been so much fun to play alongside my Nigerian teammates. Watching them grow into leaders, time has come to pass on the responsibilities, to pass on the opportunity, and to pass on the captaincy.
“I am so proud to be part of a group that fully showed it is possible to come home, to play and represent our beloved nation. None of this will be possible without the people around me.
“To the Nigerian fans, the heartbeat of Nigerian football, your support has carried me through every high and every challenge. This isn’t a final goodbye, my work within Nigerian communities continues, just as my love and passion for the team will never fade.
“The last decade has been filed with commitment, pride and unforgotable memories. Wearing the Super Eagles shirt, has been more than playing football, has been a duty, a privilege, and an honour.”
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