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Nigeria international Cyriel Dessers delivered a stunning performance to inspire Glasgow Rangers to a commanding 3-1 away victory over Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 clash, Footynaija.com reports.
It was a night to remember in Istanbul as Dessers played a starring role, scoring one, assisting another, pre-assisting a third, and seeing two goals ruled out by VAR in a complete attacking display.
Despite José Mourinho fielding an attacking frontline of Dušan Tadić, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Edin Džeko, it was Dessers who stole the show.
The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring in the 14th minute, pouncing on a loose ball, rounding goalkeeper İrfan Can Eğribayat, and slotting home before a defender’s desperate clearance came too late.
#UEL FT: Fenerbahce 1-3 Rangers
— SPFL (@spfl) March 6, 2025
Turkish delight for @RangersFC thanks to Černý and Dessers pic.twitter.com/Y44PqG1eTw
Fenerbahce drew level on the half-hour mark through Ghanaian defender Alexander Djiku, who rifled home a fine volley to send the home fans inside the Ulker Stadyumu into raptures.
But Rangers regained the lead just before halftime — Dessers exchanging passes with Václav Černý before threading a perfect through ball for the Czech winger to finish calmly.
The Nigerian forward remained a constant menace after the break, finding the net twice in quick succession, only for both efforts to be chalked off by VAR for offside in the 52nd and 58th minutes.
With ten minutes remaining, Dessers had the final say, laying off a smart pass for Nicolas Raskin to launch a long ball that Černý raced onto and slotted past Eğribayat to seal an emphatic away win.
Cyriel Dessers vs Fenerbahçe
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) March 6, 2025
• 1 goal
• 1 assist
• 1 chance created
• 2 shots on target
• 2 goals cancelled
• 75% aerial duels won pic.twitter.com/cbWo2ML4tg
It was a huge result for Rangers, who now hold the advantage heading into next week’s second leg at Ibrox Stadium.
Also impressive on the night was Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun, who replaced the injured Robin Pröpper in the first half and produced a composed display to help Rangers withstand Fenerbahce’s second-half pressure.
Dessers’ timely reminder to Eric Chelle
While José Mourinho was left frustrated at full-time, Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle would have been watching closely — and smiling.
Chelle included Dessers in his 39-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, a call-up that marked the striker’s return to the Super Eagles fold after missing out under Austin Eguavoen.
With eight centre-forwards battling for limited spots, Dessers’ heroics in Turkey could prove decisive in earning him a place on Chelle’s final squad list.
The 29-year-old is now Nigeria’s joint top scorer in Europe this season with 22 goals, alongside Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen — further strengthening his case for a regular spot in the national team setup.
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