Dessers Amazed By Absurd Eagles Competition

On Nov 8, 2023

Ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast, Glasgow Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers has been left stunned by the Super Eagles’ qualities in attack but says he never regrets his choice to play for Nigeria.

Dessers has won four caps for the Eagles but has missed out on the past couple of squads picked by Jose Peseiro after being placed on the standby list.

The 28-year-old last featured for Nigeria in September 2022 during a 2-1 defeat to Algeria in an international friendly game.

He has however not been invited to the Eagles squad since his last invitation in November last year when he was an unused substitute for the friendly with Portugal.

Also read: Dessers, Moffis must prove themselves for Nigeria – Coach

Nigeria’s most recent squad for last month’s friendly games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique included Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Joe Aribo and a few other notable names.

Dessers was quoted by the Daily Record admitting that he was amazed by the qualities of the team.

“The last few times I was in the Nigeria pre-selection squad, but not in the final selection.

“If you look at the other strikers and the form that are in, I can understand that.

“We have a few players competing to be the third or fourth striker and then it depends on form. The competition in Nigeria is absurd.

“I could have chosen to play for Belgium, but I am very happy with my choice. I have already experienced fantastic moments.

“My first international goal, in front of a hundred thousand spectators against Mexico in Dallas, is a moment I will never forget.”

The former Feyenoord star has netted five goals for Rangers since his summer move from Italian side Cremonese.

Nigeria have been drawn in a group alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau for the tournament.

Dessers Eagles