“We didn’t approve it” — NFF slams unauthorized release targeting Troost-Ekong, Dessers

By Dayo Awoniyi

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has disowned a controversial statement that appeared to blame William Troost-Ekong and Cyriel Dessers for the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.

The purported release, which circulated late Tuesday under the Federation’s Communications Department, singled out the Super Eagles captain and striker for criticism after the Group C clash at the Toyota Stadium.

However, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi swiftly dismissed the document as unauthorized.

“It was a painful result, but as a believer, I know that whatever comes is from God,” Sanusi told journalist Omofoma Ebare in a telephone interview.

“We are not happy, and we apologize to all Nigerians. But I saw the press release the same way everyone else did. The NFF did not authorize anyone to publish such a statement.”

Sanusi emphasized that accountability in football must always remain collective, whether in triumph or disappointment.

“We are proud of our players. Blaming individuals is not acceptable. When we win, it’s a team effort, and when we lose, it’s the same. No single player should be held responsible.”

The NFF scribe also defended Troost-Ekong and Dessers, underlining their importance to Nigerian football.

“Both players have contributed significantly to the growth of the game in Nigeria. Troost-Ekong has led with distinction, while Dessers has always given his best when called upon. They deserve respect, not scapegoating.”

Sanusi confirmed that the Federation has launched an internal probe to identify the source of the unauthorized release and promised appropriate action.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain in jeopardy. The Super Eagles are third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, and risk missing a second consecutive World Cup, having failed to qualify for Qatar 2022.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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