Cyriel Dessers: 2 questions striker must answer before fresh Super Eagles invite

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has been among the goals recently, quietly building a case to return to the Nigerian National team ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tanzania next month.

The 31-year-old has scored nine goals in 14 appearances across all competitions this season, with his latest strike securing a 1-0 Greek Super League victory over Volos on Sunday.

The former Rangers striker has now scored in four consecutive matches, five in the last four, putting himself on the radar for a return to Chelle’s team.

Cyriel Dessers personally contacted coach Eric Chelle to request permission to stay in Athens rather than join the Super Eagles for September’s AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau to continue his recovery from a muscle injury.

Barring any injury problems, his form has shown that he’ll be itching to get back into action for the Green and Whites.

Nigeria face Tanzania in a double-header on 13 and 17 November, with the Super Eagles needing positive results after losing 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau in their second AFCON 2027 qualifier. Chelle will be under pressure to select attackers capable of delivering goals, as many as possible.

The competition is fierce. Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho, Rafiu Durosinmi and George Ilenikhena are all in good form for their clubs. Dessers must show that he can offer something just as reliable.

2 questions Cyriel Dessers must answer before getting Super Eagles invite

1. Can he remain fit?

The Belgium-born Nigerian striker endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign after suffering a severe right leg tendon rupture while on International duty with the Super Eagles at the AFCON 2025 tournament, an opportunity that hurt him deeply as he failed to make an appearance at a major tournament for Nigeria, something he so desperately wanted.

An initial conservative rehabilitation plan failed to heal the tendon properly, forcing him to undergo surgery in April, ending his season early. In total, Dessers was out of training for about seven months.

The forward returned to full training in July and began the new campaign with renewed purpose. However, his decision to remain with his club during September’s international break showed that his recovery and preparation still required careful management.

His recent run of appearances and goals is encouraging. Scoring against Volos, following a brace against Kairat in the Conference League, suggests that he is regaining rhythm and confidence.

But Chelle must be satisfied that Dessers can handle the demands of an international double-header without his fitness becoming a concern. Nigeria cannot afford to select a striker who is still struggling to sustain his workload, especially with qualification pressure mounting.

2. Can Dessers be clinical for Nigeria?

Dessers’ second test is whether he can turn his club form into an impressive performance for the Super Eagles.

His nine goals in 14 appearances are a strong argument for inclusion, but with several forwards in Chelle’s squad in form, each selection must be justified by what a player can deliver for the team.

Osimhen remains the undisputed leading option, while Arokodare has made an impact since joining Ajax. Iheanacho has been prolific for Bursaspor, Durosinmi is producing goals at Genk, and young Ilenikhena is also pushing for opportunities.

Dessers has struggled to establish himself as a regular international option, scoring three goals in his 11 caps for the three-time African Champions.

If he receives another invitation and gets meaningful minutes against Tanzania, he will need to take his chances and demonstrate that he can score for club and country alike.

A goal would strengthen his case, although one appearance should not be the only measure of his contribution. His movement, link-up play and ability to create opportunities will also matter.

Still, with so many alternatives performing well, Dessers cannot afford to waste clear chances. His form has reopened the door, but his fitness and finishing must convince Chelle that he deserves to stay in the picture.