Cyriel Dessers continued his impressive run of form, scoring the decisive goal in Rangers' hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday.
The Nigerian striker's clinical finish, set up by James Tavernier in the sixth minute, proved decisive as Philippe Clement's side secured all three points in a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Dessers has had plenty of criticism this season for missing chances for Rangers, but has still scored 10 goals this season in 20 appearances in all competitions, including the midweek equaliser against Olympiacos in the Europa League in Athens.
The result lifts Rangers to third place with 22 points from 11 matches, nine points adrift of league leaders Celtic and second-placed Aberdeen.
Dessers' match-winning impact: key stats from Rangers' 1-0 victory over Hearts
Dessers continued to demonstrate his value to Rangers, scoring the decisive goal in a crucial victory over Hearts.
The Nigerian forward was substituted in the 78th minute for Danilo, but not before making a significant impact.
The 29-year-old registered one shot on target, which found the back of the net, while also having one shot off target and another blocked.
With 16 touches, the striker worked tirelessly up front, although he did lose possession seven times in a competitive match.
Despite Dessers' standout performances for Rangers, he has frequently been overlooked by the Nigeria national team’s coaching staff.
This week, Austin Eguavoen named his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda — once again leaving Dessers out.
The Rangers striker has not been called up to the national team since March, when he was included in Finidi George's squad for the friendlies against Ghana and Mali, and has yet to add to his tally of six caps.
