Dessers Eyes Big Tournament Play With Super Eagles

Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers has expressed his desire to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles in major international tournaments as he continues his return to the national team setup under new head coach Eric Chelle.

Dessers, who was recently recalled after missing ten consecutive matches for the Super Eagles, found his name back on the squad list for the 2025 Unity Cup.

The 29-year-old wasted no time making an impact, scoring Nigeria’s second goal in a 2-0 win over rivals Ghana, courtesy of a powerful strike following a chest control from a cross by Sodiq Ismael of Remo Stars.

Speaking before the encounter, Dessers made it clear that representing Nigeria remains a priority for him and that he is determined to feature in big competitions with the national team.

“Obviously, when you get the call, you want to go. I’ve already had a few beautiful moments with the national team, but I hope to add more. I hope to play in big tournaments,” Dessers said.

“It would be a dream—almost like the perfect way to complete my career—if I could go to a major tournament with Nigeria, with the Super Eagles, and hopefully win something there.”

Dessers is coming off a prolific season at club level, where he bagged 29 goals in 55 appearances for Scottish giants Rangers, and has carried that form onto the international stage. His goal against Ghana took his tally for Nigeria to three goals in seven caps.

With Nigeria set to face Jamaica in the final of the Unity Cup, Dessers will be looking to further cement his place in the team.

Dessers will be hoping to earn a spot in the squad for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria will aim for a fourth continental title.

Soccernet.ng