“Deserves more games” – AFCON 2013 Super Eagles forward lauds Cyriel Dessers following Ghana display

Soccer

AFCON 2013-winning striker, Aide Brown Ideye, has praised Super Eagles and Rangers forward, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers for his impressive display against Ghana in the Unity Cup semi-final, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 30-year-old was recently recalled after missing ten consecutive matches for the Super Eagles. Upon his return, he wasted no time in putting his name on the scoresheet, breaking the deadlock for Eric Chelle’s side against Ghana as Nigeria sealed a 2-1 win.

While Victor Osimhen is considered Nigeria’s undisputed number one striker, many fans were impressed by Dessers’ display at the Gtech Community Stadium last night, and clamoured for the Rangers man to get more minutes with the National team.

Ideye hoisting the Nigerian national flag after he won the 2013 edition of the AFCON tournament. [Photo Credit/ X].

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE;

Amazing performance last night from Cyriel Dessers
Watching him play in his club, he deserves more playing time with the @NGSuperEagles what a player

— Brown Aide Ideye (MON) (@brownaideideye) May 29, 2025

One of those is former West Bromwich Albion striker, Brown Ideye. The AFCON 2013 winner as pleased with Dessers, and took to his X page to laud the SPFL Golden Boot winner, revealing he deserves more playing time with the Super Eagles.

Amazing performance last night from Cyriel Dessers. Watching him play in his club, he deserves more playing time with the Super Eagles what a player,” the 36-year-old wrote.

Cyriel Dessers protests after a tackle during the Unity Cup London 2025 match between Ghana and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, England on 28 May 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Soccer Is Brown Ideye right?

One could argue that Dessers’ performances warrants more playing time in a Super Eagles jersey. His 29 goals and seven assists in 55 games for Rangers across all competitions helps his cause, as he’s just behind Victor Osimhen on the list of Nigeria’s top goalscorer’s in Europe.

However, the Super Eagles attack is loaded with several options, meaning there is high competition for the number 9 position, more than anywhere else on the pitch.

Cyriel Dessers heads towards goal. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Terem Moffi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Peter Olayinka, Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu, and Tolu Arokodare are also very solid options to give any headcoach a selection headache.

Judging off numbers alone, Victor Osimhen should be the undisputed starter, while Dessers and Arokodare should be second and third choice respectively, but the Belgium-born Nigerian wasn’t even invited for the World Cup qualifiers back in March.

Generally, Osimhen boasts a great pedigree. League winner with Napoli and Galatasaray, Serie A MVP and Golden Boot winner, and then the CAF Player of the Year Award, a feat only Ademola Lookman can boast of in the current Super Eagles squad.

Dessers’ going around Fenerbahce’s Irfan Egribayat to open the scoring for Rangers in the UEFA Europa League. [Photo Credit/ X].

Still, Dessers has done well for himself whenever he’s been given a chance in a Super Eagles jersey, scoring four goals in seven outings.Considering how he’s defied the odds the get the love of Rangers fans, a deputy position to Osimhen should at least be guaranteed to the former Cremonese man, looking his wealth of experience.

Soccer Adefolahan Guerreiro


Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.

With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.

He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

Read MoreAdefolahan Guerreiro

Latest

The Area Where Duke Could Dominate College Basketball Next Season

Basketball The Duke basketball program will enter the 2026-27...

Don’t call us just a WLFI treasury company, says AI Financial

The company says it is building a broader fintech, tokenization and digital infrastructure business, but its latest SEC filing shows WLFI still dominates the balance sheet. May 21, 2026, 5:20 a.m. 2 min read Make preferred on AI Financial, formerly known as Alt5 Sigma, wants the market to know that it's more than just its

The new art of war is just as bloody as the old

For help please visit help.ft.com. We apologise for any inconvenience. The following information can help our support team to resolve this issue. Reason Challenge Request ID 9ff3d58409635031 Status Code 403

Navigate Sole Trader Registration With This Step-By-Step Guide

Steering sole trader registration can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. You’ll begin by selecting a unique business name and, if needed, filing an Assumed Name Certificate. Next, securing an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is vital for tax purposes. Opening a dedicated business bank account helps maintain financial clarity. Comprehending the necessary licenses

Newsletter

Don't miss

The Area Where Duke Could Dominate College Basketball Next Season

Basketball The Duke basketball program will enter the 2026-27...

Don’t call us just a WLFI treasury company, says AI Financial

The company says it is building a broader fintech, tokenization and digital infrastructure business, but its latest SEC filing shows WLFI still dominates the balance sheet. May 21, 2026, 5:20 a.m. 2 min read Make preferred on AI Financial, formerly known as Alt5 Sigma, wants the market to know that it's more than just its

The new art of war is just as bloody as the old

For help please visit help.ft.com. We apologise for any inconvenience. The following information can help our support team to resolve this issue. Reason Challenge Request ID 9ff3d58409635031 Status Code 403

Navigate Sole Trader Registration With This Step-By-Step Guide

Steering sole trader registration can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. You’ll begin by selecting a unique business name and, if needed, filing an Assumed Name Certificate. Next, securing an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is vital for tax purposes. Opening a dedicated business bank account helps maintain financial clarity. Comprehending the necessary licenses

What Makes an Effective Accounts Receivable Management Strategy?

An effective accounts receivable management strategy is essential for maintaining healthy cash flow in your business. It starts with clear communication about payment terms and a streamlined invoicing process that reduces errors. Implementing solid credit policies helps assess customer risk, as well as leveraging technology can improve efficiency. By monitoring key performance indicators, you can

Tesla’s Business Has Become Much More Diversified in Just the Past Five Years. Does That Make Its Stock a Better Buy Today?

Key Points Tesla's energy generation and storage segment generated 27% revenue growth last year. The company's non-automotive segments were able to help offset a double-digit decline in auto revenue in 2025. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is known for its electric vehicles (EVs), and while they

WD sees sustainability as key business driver in an ‘AI economy’

Hard drive company WD promoted long-term operations and sustainability executive Jackie Jung to become its first chief sustainability officer in February, as it steps up sales to companies building AI data centers. Her vision: Turn sustainability into a “brand” for WD, a strategy that reduces risk for the $6 billion company (formerly known as Western

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand