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By John Ogunsemore
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said it did not authorise the release of the viral statement blaming Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong and striker, Cyril Dessers for Tuesday’s draw against South Africa.
Troost-Ekong, who scored an own goal, and an ineffective Dessers were subbed off as Eric Chelle’s side pulled a disappointing draw at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, jeopardising the Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
In the aftermath of the encounter, a statement attributed to the NFF’s Communications Department criticised both stars’ performance.
According to the statement, the captain’s own goal “diminished the team’s fighting spirit” and Dessers “did little in bringing alive the Nigerian attack”.
However, NFF Secretary-General, Mohamed Sanusi told journalists that the federation did not authorise the release of such statement.
He stated that the result was a “collective responsibility” and not the fault of any single player.
Sanusi said, “Nobody in the headquarters was happy with that release, NFF did not direct it.
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“NFF has respect for all the players, and it was a collective responsibility. When we win, it wasn’t an individual. And if we lose, there should not be blame for any individual player.
“It was a collective one. Nobody was happy. And we are not happy that an individual is singled out.”
The NFF scribe said Troost-Ekong could not have intended to score an own goal, noting that the opprobrium directed at him was uncalled for.
“No player would want to score an own goal. No player. When things come, they come spontaneously.
“The intention was for him to clear the ball. That was the intention. But as God will have it, it was a destiny that the ball entered. But Ekong would not deliberately score an own goal. No player would [want to] score an own goal. That is understood by everybody that knows football.
“That individual [Ekong] has contributed significantly to the development of football in Nigeria. Remember last AFCON, he was the best player, and we celebrated him. So, I don’t know how this thing came, but Nigeria Football Federation is taking action on that matter.”
He emphasised that the NFF, National Sports Commission and the Federal Government were solidly behind the players and coaching staff.
