Dessers has been left out of Nigeria’s final squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Dessers absent despite his 22 goals this season
Despite his prolific form this season, scoring an impressive 22 goals, the 30-year-old has been surprisingly overlooked by Nigeria coach Chelle.
His absence from the Super Eagles squad came as a shock, especially as he has been one of Nigeria’s most outstanding strikers in Europe this season.
Sadiq present despite his goal drought this season
And in an intriguing twist, Umar Sadiq has been included in the 23-man squad . Sadiq had scored just four goals in 50 appearances for Real Sociedad over two-and-a-half years.
But the 28-year-old joined Valencia on loan in January and has started to find form, scoring five goals recently.
Nigerian fans demand desserts
Dessers has no shortage of critics, but he has proven to be a pivotal figure for Rangers, with his clinical finishing. His recent vital contributions have helped the Light Blues reach the knockout stages of the Europa League.
A Nigerian fan wrote on X: “NFF is very unfair to Dessers. He is currently our best number 9 after Osimhen this season. Why was he left out?”
A second said: “I would have loved to see Cyriel Dessers here, but good luck to the boys.”
While another commented: “Cyriel Dessers is perhaps in the best shape of his life right now, and he’s not being called up.
