The Super Eagles have been handed a timely lift with Cyriel Dessers returning to fitness just as Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes hang in the balance.
The Netherlands-born striker, who sat out Rangers’ last three matches, is back in contention, a development that could reshape Eric Chelle’s attacking plans.
Nigeria sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six games, trailing leaders South Africa by six and still behind Rwanda and Benin. Qualification remains a possibility, but only if the three-time African champions find a sharper edge in attack.
Super Eagles weighed down by Lookman, Boniface Uncertainty
That is where Dessers comes in. His presence at the Unity Cup in June, scoring against Ghana and assisting in the final against Jamaica was a reminder of his ability to provide both goals and link-up play.
Two of Nigeria’s other frontline options are not in the best place.
Ademola Lookman is yet to play a friendly, talk less of a competitive game this season, sidelined by a transfer standoff that kept him out of Atalanta’s preseason and Serie A start. His sharpness is therefore in question. Victor Boniface, meanwhile, has struggled mentally after a failed move to AC Milan. At Bayer Leverkusen, he has also slipped down Erik Ten Hag’s attacking hierarchy, leaving his rhythm and confidence visibly dented.
This twin uncertainty leaves Dessers as perhaps the most reliable option to partner Victor Osimhen. In Chelle’s preferred 4-4-2 diamond, the 30-year-old’s physical presence and composure under pressure can offer the balance Nigeria have sorely missed.
