By Ben Efe 10.9.2025
Nigeria Football Federation secretary-general Dr. Mohammed Sanusi has dismissed remarks linked to the NFF blaming striker Cyriel Dessers for the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw in their World Cup qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
The result put the Super Eagles in danger of missing the 2026 World Cup, and Nigerians are not happy about the situation; Moreso a little criticism of Dessers in a write up by the NFF Communiations department did not go well with Nigerian fans.
However, speaking on the Super Eagles performance Dr. Sanusi remarked that the NFF did not authorised the singling out of Dessers, adding that the team performed to the best of their ability and no single player was to be blamed.
“Nobody in the headquarters was happy with that release. NFF did not direct it, NFF has respect for all the players, and it was a collective responsibility,” Dr Sanusi stated.
“When we win, it wasn’t an individual. And if we lose, blame should not go to individual player. It was a collective one. Nobody was happy. And we are not happy that an individual is singled out.
“That individual has contributed to the development of Nigeria, especial at the Unity Cup and we were all happy for him.
“No player goes into any game with the intention of scoring an own goal. Trust Ekong tried to clear the ball, but it went into the net… when things happen, they happen, and no player should be blamed.
He added that the NFF and the National Sports Commission are happy despite the result.
“I can tell you that both the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission and indeed the government of Nigeria are happy with the players. We are not happy with the results, but we are happy with the players because they have given in their very best.”
Desser checked by Bafana Bafana defender