Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers says he means business ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, insisting he wants to play a key role for Nigeria at a major tournament after impressing in recent internationals.
The Rangers forward, who scored Nigeria’s opening goal in their 2–1 win over Ghana in the Unity Cup 2025, has targeted a strong showing at AFCON after being recalled to the national squad by head coach Eric Chelle. Dessers’ work at club level including a prolific scoring record has boosted his confidence and strengthened his case for involvement in competitive matches with the Super Eagles.
Although Dessers has yet to feature in an official competitive match for Nigeria despite several friendly appearances, he has scored goals and provided assists in those outings and believes the AFCON tournament offers a platform to showcase his value on the biggest stages. Throughout his career, he has spoken about his desire to complete major competitive national team goals and hopes to help Nigeria challenge for continental honours.
Editorial
There is a quiet authority that comes with experience not just in how you score, but in how you aspire, articulate and commit to ambition. In Cyriel Dessers, Nigeria possess not merely a goalscorer but a player shaped by continental and club journeys that have tempered both his craft and character. As the Super Eagles edge closer to AFCON 2025, his intent resonates not in fleeting soundbites, but in a sustained professional conviction.
Dessers’ path to this moment has been far from linear. Despite scoring freely and assisting at international friendlies, he has yet to play in a competitive match for Nigeria, a fact he has acknowledged with candour and humility. That honesty to admit disappointment yet maintain belief tells much about his professional temperament. It is this blend of resilience and hunger that transforms squad hopefuls into tournament protagonists.
At club level, his goal-scoring pedigree with Rangers where he has been among the top marksmen underlines his capacity to operate at high levels of pressure. Translating that rhythm to Africa’s most prestigious tournament will not be without challenge, especially given the wealth of attacking talent in Nigeria’s ranks. But football’s great stories often thread through opportunities seized rather than conceded. If Dessers can carve out moments in Morocco, his narrative will not merely be about finally competing at a major finals it will be about justifying why he belongs there.
In the crucible of AFCON competition, where passion amplifies every touch and expectation fuses with national pride, Dessers has the chance to turn potential into legacy. And perhaps that is why his voice carries weight not because he has arrived untested, but because he has endured, performed and now simply wants the stage to make it count.
Did You Know?
- Dessers starred in the 2025 Unity Cup, scoring against Ghana and providing an assist in the final against Jamaica, helping Nigeria win the tournament.
- Despite playing for the Super Eagles since 2020, Dessers has never yet featured in a competitive match for Nigeria, with all his appearances coming in friendlies.
- A former AFCON champion Brown Ideye publicly praised Dessers after his Unity Cup display and urged the national team coach to give him more playing time.
- At club level he had a prolific season with Rangers, scoring 29 goals in 55 appearances and helping the Scottish club reach domestic and European finals.
- Dessers has openly said that playing in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup would be among the highlights of his career and a dream he wants to fulfil.
