Exclusive: Former Nigeria International Backs Cyriel Dessers Despite National Team Snubs
Former Nigeria international Benedict Akwuegbu expresses support for Cyriel Dessers amid his ongoing national team snubs, emphasizing Dessers' potential for a future Super Eagles role. Despite a strong season at Rangers, Dessers has yet to secure a regular spot in the Nigerian squad
Image Credits: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Former Nigerian international Benedict Akwuegbu is confident that Cyriel Dessers will eventually earn a regular place in the Nigerian national team but emphasises the need for patience and focus on his club career at Rangers.
Born in Belgium to a Belgian father and Nigerian mother, the 29-year-old forward committed to representing the Super Eagles in 2019 after a standout season in which he shared the Dutch Eredivisie Golden Boot with Steven Berghuis.
Dessers made his debut for Nigeria on October 12, 2020, during a friendly against Algeria, coming on as a substitute for Ahmed Musa with 18 minutes left to play at the Jacques Lemans Arena.
Since then, he has struggled to cement a regular spot in the squad, making only five appearances and scoring two goals.
Despite his strong form since joining Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, Dessers has yet to make a competitive appearance for the three-time African champions.
He was consistently left out of recent Nigerian squads, even after finishing last season as Nigeria’s top-scoring striker in Europe, with 23 goals across all competitions. He was also omitted from the squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire.
Dessers was given a rare opportunity during the March international window, featuring in friendlies against Mali and Ghana. However, he was overlooked for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and South Africa in June.
So far this season, Dessers has scored seven goals for Rangers, including doubles against Ross County and Dundee, but this wasn’t enough to earn him a call-up for the September and October international windows.
I strongly believe that Cyriel Dessers is a very good player, but being selected for the national team depends on several factors.
Benedict Akwuegbu
There is strong competition for his position, and Nigeria has many options in that area. The coach has to make tough decisions, and unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out in Dessers' favor. Maybe he doesn’t fit into the current tactical plans."
Nevertheless, Akwuegbu remains confident that Dessers' chance will come.
"I’m sure Dessers will get his opportunity soon. I understand how frustrating it can be, but he can’t afford to give up. He must keep working hard, scoring goals for his club, and be ready to seize the moment when it comes."
Meanwhile, Nigeria will face Libya without star striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out due to a muscle injury.
"He (Osimhen) will surely be missed," Akwuegbu said. "He's a leader on the pitch and an incredibly important player. It's unfortunate, but injuries are part of the game, and no one wants to be sidelined."
Despite Osimhen's absence, Akwuegbu remains confident in Nigeria’s chances.
"The Super Eagles should have no trouble winning the upcoming games. Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, and William Troost-Ekong are all in excellent form. I expect nothing less than victories in both matches," he concluded.
The Super Eagles currently sit at the top of Group D with four points from two matches and will face the struggling Mediterranean Knights of Libya, who are at the bottom of the group, in Uyo on Friday.
Seyi Alao is a Nigerian sports reporter, writer, and producer, known for delivering engaging sports content in both English and Pidgin. At Brila FM, I transitioned seamlessly into the role of Content Creator, demonstrating a deep understanding of media dynamics and effectively crafting captivating and informative narratives.