Cyriel Dessers, who has performed impressively for Rangers with 10 goals in 13 games, has been left out of Nigeria’s squad for World Cup qualifiers. Despite this setback, he remains focused and confident in his abilities. His exclusion, alongside selections like Victor Osimhen and Sadiq Umar, has raised questions among fans. Dessers aims to maintain his form as he seeks future national team considerations.
Cyriel Dessers, the Rangers striker, remains resilient despite not being selected for the Super Eagles’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Dessers, who has netted 10 goals with three assists in his last 13 games, was unexpectedly omitted from the final 23-man squad confirmed by coach Eric Chelle. Currently, he stands as Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer in Europe with 22 goals and six assists across all competitions.
The coach’s preference for players like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Sadiq Umar, and Tolu Arokodare over Dessers has raised questions among fans. Dessers has commented, “It’s important to stay level, don’t go down in the bad period, don’t let it get into your head in the good periods,” indicating he remains unfazed by the decision. His recent form has sparked discussions regarding the selections, particularly the inclusion of Umar, who has scored five goals in 10 appearances since joining Valencia.
Dessers has expressed his desire for more opportunities, stating, “It’s good to be on 22 at this stage of the season, that’s a very good feeling, but I want more.” As Rangers prepare for the UEFA Europa League round of 16 match against Fenerbahce with a 3-1 lead, Dessers aims to replicate his success from the first leg, where he scored and assisted.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying position is precarious, sitting fifth in Group C, necessitating victories to advance their hopes for the 2026 tournament. Coach Chelle’s recent player selections will face scrutiny and potential backlash from supporters depending on the outcomes of the upcoming matches.
Cyriel Dessers remains a formidable contender for the Super Eagles, despite his recent omission from the national squad. His confidence and impressive club performance suggest that he is focused and determined to contribute further. As Nigeria seeks crucial victories in their World Cup qualifiers, Dessers is poised to keep proving his worth, which may eventually lead to future selections, reflecting his capabilities as a top-performing striker.
Original Source: punchng.com
