Cyriel Dessers: A Striker’s Journey of Goals, Omissions, and Determination
Cyriel Dessers, the prolific Rangers striker, finds himself in a peculiar predicament. Despite a remarkable season marked by consistent goal-scoring prowess, he has been left out of Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. This omission has sparked debate and raised questions about the selection criteria employed by coach Eric Chelle. Dessers, however, remains unfazed, channeling his energy into his club performances and letting his goals do the talking.
The 30-year-old Belgian-born Nigerian forward has been a key figure for Rangers, amassing an impressive 22 goals and 6 assists across all competitions this season. His recent form has been particularly striking, with 10 goals and 3 assists in his last 13 games. These statistics place him as the second-highest Nigerian goalscorer in Europe, trailing only Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Yet, despite these compelling numbers, Dessers found his name missing from Chelle’s 23-man squad.
The decision to exclude Dessers has baffled many Nigerian football enthusiasts, particularly given the inclusion of players with less impressive statistics. While Osimhen’s selection is undisputed, the preference for Victor Boniface, Sadiq Umar, and Tolu Arokodare over Dessers has raised eyebrows. Umar, on loan at Valencia from Real Sociedad, has managed 5 goals in 10 appearances, a respectable return but dwarfed by Dessers’ output. Arokodare’s inclusion, while justified by his 16 goals in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, still leaves many questioning the rationale behind overlooking Dessers’ current form.
Dessers’ response to this setback has been one of quiet determination. He acknowledges the importance of maintaining composure, regardless of the circumstances. His focus remains on his club commitments, aiming to contribute further goals and assists to Rangers’ cause. He recognizes the significance of his current form and sees it as a stepping stone to achieving even greater heights. He’s determined to continue proving his worth, making it increasingly difficult for the national team selectors to ignore his contributions.
The upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe hold significant weight for Nigeria’s hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 tournament. Currently placed fifth in Group C, the Super Eagles desperately need victories in both fixtures to revive their qualification campaign. Coach Chelle’s selections, including the surprising omissions of Dessers and in-form Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche, will be under intense scrutiny. The pressure is on him to deliver positive results and justify his choices to the Nigerian football fraternity.
Meanwhile, Dessers continues to ply his trade at Rangers, playing a pivotal role in their European ambitions. With a 3-1 advantage from the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie against Fenerbahce, Rangers are well-positioned to advance to the quarter-finals. Dessers, having already contributed a goal and an assist in the first leg, will be looking to make a similar impact in the return fixture at Ibrox. His performance on this European stage could further strengthen his case for national team inclusion.
The ongoing saga of Cyriel Dessers highlights the complex dynamics of international football selection. While individual statistics undoubtedly play a crucial role, other factors, including tactical considerations and coaching preferences, also influence the final decisions. For Dessers, the path forward is clear: maintain his impressive club form, continue scoring goals, and let his performances speak volumes. His determination and resilience will undoubtedly serve him well as he navigates this challenging period in his career, striving to earn the recognition he deserves and ultimately represent his nation on the international stage.
