The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has come under intense criticism from Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala and football fans after the federation’s official post-match statement appeared to single out striker Cyriel Dessers for blame in the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa during Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.
In a statement issued by the NFF’s Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, Dessers was described as “too slow to latch onto passes, unable to win aerial balls, and ineffective in sparking Nigeria’s attack.”
The report also criticized captain William Troost-Ekong for scoring an own goal — comments that have since ignited a storm of outrage across social media platforms.
On X (formerly Twitter), fans were vocal in condemning the NFF’s tone and perceived scapegoating of Dessers.
@OpeyemiAkinyod2 called the statement “disgraceful,” writing “Just look at the statement @thenff are putting out… GOD HAVE MERCY. Shameless lots. They scapegoated Dessers. No shame at all.”
@officialJoecool also slammed the communication, calling it “unprofessional” “Singling out Cyriel Dessers in such harsh terms is disgusting. Football is a team sport. Communications should be balanced, not vindictive.”
@pamelamodella raised suspicions of bias, asking “Who wrote and released that article about Cyriel Dessers? I think the NFF has something against him. Why else put all the blame on him?”
Sports photojournalist @DagaShotz described the statement as “awful,” while @Therealsimcard1 added, “The NFF is a disgrace. No football association should call out its own players like this.”
Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala reacted on Instagram with angry emojis and a caption “SMH… It be your own people sometimes.”
@mfreke36 urged Dessers not to be discouraged, writing “We are with you, Cyriel. Don’t mind the NFF media team. You weren’t even part of the qualification campaign from the beginning. You got a last-minute call-up and gave your best.”
@Engr_Series expressed disbelief “How can the NFF publicly say ‘Dessers was too slow, couldn’t win aerial balls, and added little to the attack’? That’s unacceptable.”
Some fans went as far as calling for Dessers to quit international football altogether.
@POLANKLASIQ posted “If this is how the NFF treats players, Dessers should just walk away from the team.”
@alao_seyi added “Once the NFF media team targets you like this, your Super Eagles career is over. Time for Dessers to pack his bags.”
Others criticized the media for amplifying the NFF’s narrative.
@4EyedLiwa_ wrote “It’s shameful enough that the NFF scapegoated Dessers. Even more shameful that the sports media is spreading it.”
On Facebook, Olajide Bukolami Flora questioned the authenticity of the NFF’s statement, while Comr Toye Ayobami compared it to hypocrisy “A sinner man calling someone a sinner man.”
Ekerette-Alvin Ikpe blamed the federation’s poor leadership, saying “They hired an incapable Finidi George, who also contributed to this failed qualification campaign.”
Magaji Gama described it as “the pot calling the kettle black,” while Bright Eshiomigah Elolue concluded “Nigeria’s biggest problem is the NFF.”
Emmanuel Eluebo questioned the federation’s motivational strategy “How will players be encouraged with this kind of treatment?”
With six draws in eight World Cup qualifying matches, the Super Eagles now face a tough road to the 2026 tournament. To keep their hopes alive, they must beat Lesotho and Benin Republic in October and hope rival teams drop points.
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