Cyriel Dessers has emerged as a key figure in the heated rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, aptly nicknamed the “Jollof Derby.” His consistent ability to find the back of the net against the Black Stars has cemented his status as a reliable option for the Super Eagles, particularly in high-pressure derby matches. In two recent victories against Ghana, Dessers scored the opening goal, setting the tone for Nigeria’s dominance. His clinical finishing and composure under pressure have not gone unnoticed, earning him plaudits from former Nigerian internationals and solidifying his claim for more consistent playing time with the national team.
Dessers’ first impactful performance against Ghana came in a friendly match held in Marrakech, Morocco. He capitalized on a floated free-kick from Kelechi Iheanacho, converting a penalty after a moment of initial hesitation. This goal proved crucial in securing a 2-1 victory for Nigeria. Ten months later, in the Unity Cup semifinal at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, Dessers replicated his heroics. His well-taken goal, assisted by Sodiq Ismail, once again set the stage for a Nigerian victory, this time by an identical 2-0 scoreline. This consistent performance against a fierce rival highlights Dessers’ ability to rise to the occasion when national pride is on the line.
The Rangers striker’s impressive club form undoubtedly bolsters his case for increased involvement with the Super Eagles. With 29 goals and seven assists in 55 appearances for Rangers across all competitions, Dessers demonstrates a consistent scoring threat. This prolific form translates effectively to the international stage, where he has now notched four goals in seven appearances for Nigeria. His combination of clinical finishing and creative playmaking makes him a valuable asset to the Nigerian attack.
Dessers’ impact extends beyond mere goal-scoring. In both victories against Ghana, his early goals set the tone for Nigeria’s dominance, unsettling the Black Stars and allowing the Super Eagles to control the flow of the game. In the Marrakech friendly, his penalty conversion provided the impetus for Nigeria to push forward, while in the Unity Cup semifinal, his early strike paved the way for a comfortable first-half performance, with Ghana failing to register a single shot on target. This ability to not only score but also influence the overall match dynamics highlights Dessers’ importance to the Super Eagles.
The resurgence of Cyriel Dessers under Coach Eric Chelle underscores the striker’s resilience and determination. After being sidelined for ten consecutive matches, Dessers’ recall to the national team was met with immediate success. His return to form, punctuated by his crucial goals against Ghana, vindicates Chelle’s decision and strengthens the coach’s faith in the striker. This reinforces Dessers’ value as a player who can deliver when called upon, even after periods of absence from the national team setup.
While Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s undisputed first-choice striker, Dessers provides a potent alternative and a valuable option from the bench. His performances in the “Jollof Derby” demonstrate his ability to thrive in high-stakes environments, making him a crucial asset to the Super Eagles. His knack for scoring against Ghana not only strengthens Nigeria’s recent dominance over their rivals – now unbeaten in their last five encounters, excluding a CHAN qualifier – but also provides a psychological edge in this fiercely contested West African derby. As Dessers continues to impress at both club and international levels, his role within the Nigerian national team is likely to become increasingly prominent.
