Needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive, the Eagles endured a difficult start when Ola Aina limped off in the eighth minute.
Things worsened midway through the first half as Troost-Ekong diverted the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, gifting Bafana Bafana the lead.
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey restored parity just before half-time with a determined header, but despite dominating possession after the break, Nigeria failed to turn control into goals. Substitutes Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, and Christantus Uche all struggled to unlock the South African defence.
In its post-match statement, issued by NFF Director of Communications Dr Ademola Olajire, the federation reserved sharp criticism for Dessers, who was substituted at half-time.
“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he was 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,” the NFF stated.
The body also pointed to Troost-Ekong’s costly own goal as a turning point:
“The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit was diminished for a period after team captain William Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, wrong-footing Stanley Nwabali to give the Bafana the lead and great impetus.”
While praising Bassey’s resilience and equaliser, the federation lamented the lack of cutting edge in the second half.
“Despite dominating possession in the second half, the Super Eagles delivered little,” the statement noted, highlighting missed opportunities from Arokodare and Dele-Bashiru.
The draw leaves Nigeria with 11 points from eight matches in Group C, while South Africa remain top with 17.
The Super Eagles must now defeat Lesotho and Benin Republic in their remaining fixtures and hope rivals drop points to keep their dream of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in North America alive.
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