Cyriel Dessers, Rangers striker, remains undeterred after being omitted from Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying squad. Despite scoring 10 goals and providing 3 assists in recent matches, Coach Eric Chelle chose other forwards for the roster. Dessers emphasizes the need for balance in his performance and aims to maintain a strong contribution to his club.
Cyriel Dessers, a 30-year-old striker with Rangers, remains unperturbed after being excluded from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Despite his remarkable performance, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in his last 13 matches, he was not selected in Coach Eric Chelle’s final 23-man lineup.
Dessers stands as Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer in Europe this season, netting 22 goals and registering six assists across all competitions. Nevertheless, Coach Chelle opted for Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Sadiq Umar, and Tolu Arokodare in the forward positions, leading to some disappointment among fans.
Before Rangers’ UEFA Europa League clash against Fenerbahce, Dessers emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced mindset, stating, “It’s important to stay level… in the good periods”. Despite the exclusion, he expressed confidence in his abilities and aspirations to contribute more goals to his club.
The decision to choose Umar over Dessers raised eyebrows, particularly as Umar has only five goals in 10 appearances for Valencia, while Dessers continues to excel at Rangers. Although Arokodare’s inclusion is supported due to his impressive tally of 16 goals in Belgium, many fans believe Dessers deserved a spot based on his current form.
Dessers noted, “It’s good to be on 22 at this stage of the season… but I want more.” As Rangers enter their match against Fenerbahce with a 3-1 lead, Dessers aims to replicate his impressive contributions from the previous fixture.
Nigeria sits fifth in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers and requires victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to enhance their chances of qualifying for the 2026 tournament. Coach Chelle faces scrutiny for his roster choices, which need to yield favourable results to retain fan backing. Dessers remains committed to his club role, aiming to secure his place in future national selections through continued strong performances.
In summary, Cyriel Dessers’ exclusion from Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying squad has sparked discussion among fans, particularly given his impressive performance with Rangers. Despite feeling slighted, Dessers maintains a positive outlook and focuses on his club duties. Nigeria’s qualification hopes hinge on their upcoming matches, and Dessers’ future inclusion in the national team may depend on his continued success at the club level.
Original Source: punchng.com
