Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle raised eyebrows when he left Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers out of Nigeria’s final 23-man squad to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe, despite initially naming him in the provisional list, Footynaija.com reports.
The decision sparked debate among fans and analysts, given Dessers’ impressive form for Rangers this season. With 22 goals so far, he is Nigeria’s second-highest scoring striker in Europe, only behind Victor Osimhen.
While Chelle opted for Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare and Umar Sadiq, Dessers’ exclusion remains a controversial call. Below are three key reasons why the former Feyenoord forward deserved a place in Nigeria’s final squad.
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1. Outstanding goal-scoring form
Dessers has been in prolific form for Rangers, finding the net 22 times this season. His consistency in front of goal makes him one of Nigeria’s most lethal strikers.
For a side that has struggled with finding the back of the net recently, ignoring such an in-form forward could prove to be a costly decision.
With Osimhen’s susceptibility to injuries at times, having a reliable alternative like Dessers would have provided a much more secure source of attacking depth.
2. European experience and big-game mentality
Playing for Rangers in Scotland and previously featuring for clubs like Feyenoord, Genk and Cremonese, Dessers has gained valuable experience in European competitions.
He was the top scorer in the UEFA Europa Conference League with Feyenoord in 2022, proving he can deliver on big occasions.
His ability to handle pressure and perform in crucial matches would have been an asset for the Super Eagles, especially in these must-win games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
3. Versatility and physical presence
Unlike some of Chelle’s preferred options, Dessers offers a different profile. He combines physical strength with intelligent movement, making him effective in both counter-attacking and possession-based play.
His hold-up play and ability to link up with wingers would have given Chelle more tactical flexibility. Furthermore, his aerial ability makes him a dangerous option in set-piece situations, an area where the Super Eagles could always use more firepower.
While Chelle has his reasons for omitting Dessers, his decision remains debatable. The Rangers striker has consistently proven his worth in Europe and could have added valuable firepower to the Super Eagles squad.
His exclusion raises questions about the selection criteria, and many will be watching closely to see how the chosen forwards perform in his absence.
Will the Super Eagles regret leaving out one of their most in-form goal-scorers? Time will tell.
