Cyril Dessers: NFF Drops Super Eagles Star After ‘Unimpressive’ Outing vs South Africa

• Panathinaikos forward Cyriel Dessers has reportedly been dropped ahead of next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers
• The Super Eagles striker failed to score in two competitive matches for Nigeria against Rwanda and South Africa
• The 30-year-old scored for the three-time AFCON winner in their victory against Ghana at the 2025 Unity Cup

The Nigeria Football Federation have reportedly axed Cyriel Dessers from the Super Eagles squad ahead of next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The former Genk star got a chance to prove himself under Eric Chelle at the 2025 Unity Cup in the absence of Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen.

Dessers made an instant impact, scoring the first goal for Nigeria in their 2-1 win over Ghana at the G-Tech Community in Brentford.

The Belgian-born forward increased his goal tally to three for the three-time AFCON winner during international friendlies.

Having been overlooked by former Super Eagles coaches like Jose Peseiro and Finidi George, coach Eric Chelle extended an invitation to the forward to prosecute the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Lesotho.

Read also

Blow for Nigeria as Super Eagles star doubtful for upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Cyriel Dessers got the opportunity to prove himself against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The forward failed to find the back of the net after Victor Osimhen sustained an injury during the first half of the encounter, giving room for the former Rangers Star, but Wolves signing Tolu Arokodare became the hero of the day.

Dessers led the attack against the Bafana Bafana at the Free State stadium in Bloemfontein without Osimhen as defender Calvin Bassey came to the rescue after an own goal from captain William Troost-Ekong, per Punch.

NFF communications department has carpeted Panathinaikos striker Cyril Dessers after the 1-1 draw against South Africa. The statement read:

“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he turned out to be a substitute that was substituted, did not have a better game as he was too slow to latch onto passes, could not win aerial balls and did little in bringing alive the Nigerian attack.”

Read also

Chippa United coach downplays tension with Stanley Nwabali after Super Eagles goalkeeper was dropped

Dessers punished

The days of Cyriel Dessers are already numbered as the forward will not be invited for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

According to Score Nigeria, an NFF official said the Belgian-born forward failed to take his limited chances during the CAF qualification matches.

He claimed that Dessers has reopened the door for Terem Moffi, Sadiq Umar, and Jerome Akor, adding that Tolu Arokodare has cemented his place in the Super Eagles squad. He said:

“Dessers is already out.

“The coach wants an extra striker besides him and (Victor) Osimhen because the team need to score goals in both matches next month.”

Dessers sends reminder to Chelle

Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers has reignited discussions about his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad after netting a crucial brace for Rangers in a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory against Kilmarnock.

Read also

Victor Osimhen makes Galatasaray squad to face Alanyaspor as he nears injury return

The Super Eagles forward’s two goals helped the Scottish giants overturn a 2-0 deficit, securing a vital win and marking a perfect start for their new manager Barry Ferguson.

Source: Legit.ng