Cyriel Dessers has openly expressed his readiness and commitment to contribute to Nigeria’s success in any competitive format whenever he is called upon.
Speaking to ModZero Sports, Dessers admitted that it has been emotionally challenging being in and around the national team setup for over five years without making an appearance in an official match.
“It hurts sometimes; you feel disappointed,” he said. “But I remain hopeful.”
With Nigeria having secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Dessers remains eager to play a more active role in the team.
Since making his debut for Nigeria in 2020, the striker has only featured in friendly matches, earning seven caps and scoring several goals. However, he has yet to appear in a competitive fixture for the Super Eagles.
Dessers acknowledges the stiff competition for striker positions, especially with Victor Osimhen firmly established as Nigeria’s number one forward. Nevertheless, he remains determined to continue performing at a high level for his club and to prove his worth to the national selectors.
The 29-year-old has maintained a positive attitude, emphasizing hard work and dedication. Recently, he was recalled for tournaments like the 2025 Unity Cup, where he impressed by both scoring and assisting goals—reaffirming his value on the international stage.
Born on December 8, 1994, in Tongeren, Belgium, Dessers plays as a forward for Scottish Premiership side Rangers. He is eligible to represent Nigeria through his mother.
Dessers was the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie during the 2019–20 season with Heracles Almelo. He also finished as the top scorer in the 2021–22 UEFA Europa Conference League while on loan at Feyenoord, earning a place in the competition’s Team of the Season.
In August 2022, he signed with Italian side Cremonese before making the move to Rangers in July 2023. Since joining the Scottish giants, he has been a key player, netting crucial goals in both the Scottish Cup and European competitions.
