Dessers Would Consider Ending Career in Nigeria, Japan or USA

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has revealed that he could conclude his playing days in one of four countries: Nigeria, Japan, South Africa, or the United States. The 30 year old, currently at Rangers, made the remarks amid speculation over his future, with clubs in Greece reportedly interested in his services. Dessers remains under contract at Ibrox until 2027.

Despite scoring 29 goals in 55 appearances during the 2024–25 season, and emerging as Rangers’ top scorer, Dessers has faced uncertainty over his place in the squad making substitute appearances in early European fixtures.

While he values his time at Rangers, he acknowledges that as he enters the twilight of his career, opportunities in countries such as Japan, USA, Nigeria or South Africa appeal adding a personal and culturally significant dimension to his final chapters in football.

Editorial

Dessers’ openness about potentially ending his career in Nigeria, Japan, the United States or South Africa is a reminder that legacy isn’t defined merely by top-flight trophies but also by connection, culture and influence.< At 30, with a proven scoring record in Scotland 29 goals in one campaign few would fault him for chasing tidy paychecks in Europe's mid-tier clubs. Yet, to mention Nigeria and South Africa alongside more exotic options speaks volumes about a player seeking roots, relevance and impact beyond mere financial reward. In our view, this speaks to identity and purpose. Ending a career in Nigeria would be a homecoming; in South Africa, a return to a continent rich in untapped potential; in Japan or the USA, a chance to help grow the game through experience. These aren’t consolation options they are thoughtful pathways for someone mindful of legacy. For Rangers, any consideration of a sale would be timely as per fan discussions that his international goal increased his market value. But Dessers himself remains focused on the pitch—urging that talk of transfers is natural but performance is primary.

Ultimately, while many players chase headline moves, Dessers’ candidness challenges us to think differently: career choices needn’t always echo ambition through association—they can resonate through meaning, belonging, and long-term contribution.

He remains under contract until 2027; what happens after should reflect more than numbers on a cheque—it should speak to a player’s narrative, not just net-worth.

Did You Know?

1. Cyriel Dessers was top scorer in the 2021–22 UEFA Europa Conference League, netting 10 goals for Feyenoord and earning a place in the Team of the Season.
2. Despite scoring consistently for Nigeria, all his international goals (3 in total) have come in friendlies—he has yet to play in a competitive match for the Super Eagles, a fact he admitted still “hurts”.
3. Born in Belgium in December 1994, Dessers chose to represent Nigeria through his mother, officially committing in December 2019.
4. He finished joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie during the 2019–20 season, scoring 15 league goals for Heracles Almelo.
5. His move to Rangers in July 2023 came after spells with OH Leuven, Lokeren, NAC Breda, Utrecht, Genk, Feyenoord and Cremonese demonstrating a late but steady rise through European football.