The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has criticised striker Cyriel Dessers after another poor performance in the Super Eagles 1-1 draw with South Africa, while also appearing to question coach Eric Chelle’s decision to start him.
Dessers had been introduced in Uyo when Victor Osimhen picked up an injury against Rwanda, but failed to add spark. Handed his first competitive start in Bloemfontein, he was withdrawn at half-time for Tolu Arokodare, whose physicality unsettled South Africa’s defence and offered more urgency.
In a statement issued by its Communications Department, the NFF said:
“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he turned out a substitute that was substituted, did not have a better game as he was too slow to latch onto passes, could not win aerial balls and did little in bringing alive the Nigerian attack.”
NFF Communication Department statement.
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Nigeria’s evening began badly when Ola Aina limped off injured inside eight minutes. Matters worsened midway through the first half when captain William Troost-Ekong diverted the ball into his own net, giving Bafana Bafana the lead.
Defender Calvin Bassey equalised just before the break, rising to head home Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross for his first international goal.
READ MORE: Super Eagles World Cup hopes dented after draw in South Africa
Despite opportunities for Arokodare and Dele-Bashiru, Nigeria could not find a winner. Tempers also flared when Chelle and South Africa coach Hugo Broos clashed on the touchline.
Tolu Arokodare celebrating his first competitive goal for the Super Eagles against Rwanda in Uyo. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
The draw leaves Nigeria second in Group C with 11 points, six behind leaders South Africa. With two matches left, the Super Eagles’ route to the 2026 World Cup finals remains in jeopardy.
Analysis – A dig at Chelle as much as Dessers
The NFF’s public criticism of Cyriel Dessers does not just target the striker. It also reflects frustration with Eric Chelle’s team selection.
Chelle surprised many by giving Dessers his first competitive start, despite the forward’s struggles in previous appearances. The move backfired, with Dessers hauled off at half-time and Arokodare showing far more aggression.
By highlighting Dessers’ shortcomings in an official statement, the Federation has indirectly placed scrutiny on Chelle’s judgment, at a time when Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hang by a thread.
