Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers opted out of Nigeria’s recent international friendly against Russia to celebrate his wedding in Italy. The 30 year old, who had just helped the Super Eagles win the Unity Cup in London with a goal and his first assist for Nigeria, was widely expected to feature in the Moscow clash, especially after several attacking players withdrew from the squad.
Dessers requested to be left out, and head coach Eric Chelle instead handed a first international call-up to Krasnodar striker Olakunle Olusegun. Flemish outlet Het Nieuwsblad confirmed that the reason behind Dessers’ absence was his wedding to long-time partner Rosalie De Ruysscher, held in Montalbano, Southern Italy.
Though born in Belgium, Dessers has pledged his international future to Nigeria, having earned eight caps all in friendly matches and scored three goals, including a brace against Ghana. He enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 season at Rangers, scoring 29 goals in 55 matches across all competitions and claiming the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot.
Editorial
Cyriel Dessers’ wedding withdrawal may have left the Super Eagles short in Moscow, but life off the pitch is as real as the game itself. For a player who has consistently shown up when called upon, both in Scotland and for Nigeria, this personal milestone deserved its moment. And while some fans may have wished to see him lead the line against Russia, the bigger picture suggests Dessers’ commitment to Nigeria remains intact.
What his absence does highlight, however, is Nigeria’s growing pool of attacking depth and the urgent need to define who stands where in the pecking order. With players like Dessers, Boniface, Moffi, and now Olusegun competing for limited spaces, availability and timing matter as much as form.
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Let’s not forget Dessers was instrumental in Nigeria’s Unity Cup success just weeks ago. His decision to marry during the international window might have clashed with expectations, but it also points to the balance modern players seek between career and life. The real question now is whether he can pick up from where he left off when the next competitive fixtures roll around.
If anything, his story reminds us that footballers are people first—and sometimes, joy comes in vows, not volleys.
Did You Know?
- All of Cyriel Dessers’ eight Super Eagles appearances have come in friendly matches, keeping him eligible to switch to Belgium under FIFA rules.
- He finished the 2024/25 season as the Scottish Premiership’s top scorer with 29 goals.
- Dessers played for Dutch sides NAC Breda and Feyenoord before moving to Rangers.
- He scored a memorable brace against Ghana during a 2023 international friendly.
- The wedding venue, Montalbano in southern Italy, is a popular luxury destination for European celebrities and athletes.
