Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has reignited debate over Victor Osimhen’s untouchable status, following his eye-catching return to the national team at the Unity Cup in London.
The Rangers forward, long overlooked despite his club exploits, seized his moment with a poacher’s finish in the 2-1 win over Ghana, earning Nigeria a place in Saturday’s final against Jamaica.
With Osimhen unavailable and Dessers leading the line with confidence, murmurs are growing about whether the pecking order in the Super Eagles attack is beginning to shift.
Dessers set to stake claim on Super Eagles spot
It had been over a year since Dessers last wore the national colours, a forgettable outing against Mali in March 2024. But his recall, fuelled by a brilliant season in Scotland where he scored 29 goals and provided seven assists, was richly deserved.
Against Ghana, he repaid that faith by breaking the deadlock early on, setting the tone for a dominant Nigerian first half.
Eric Chelle has rewarded that performance with another start as Nigeria looks to defend their Unity Cup title at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
I'm so happy for Dessers man.
He's such a likeable character. https://t.co/gLKbkXI8xM— Fola Guerreiro (@folahan_jnr) May 29, 2025
Nigeria are unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 matches, keeping six clean sheets and conceding more than once in only one of those. They’ve also historically had the upper hand over Jamaica, with three wins and two draws from six previous meetings.
Chelle has also made major changes to the side that impressed in midweek. Stanley Nwabali continues in goal, with a backline of Ismail Sodiq, Benjamin Frederick, Igoh Ogbu and Felix Agu offering stability. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka maintain control at the heart of the pitch, flanked by Nathan Tella and Samuel Chukwueze, who provide width and creativity. In attack, Sikiru Alimi makes way for Moses Simon, while Cyriel Dessers keeps his place as the focal point of the frontline.
Jamaica vs Nigeria Predicted Line Up
Nigeria XI:
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Ismail Sodiq, Benjamin Fredrick, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Nathan Tella, Samuel Chukwueze
Forwards: Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers
Jamaica’s path to the final was less convincing. Steve McClaren’s men needed a dramatic comeback to see off Trinidad and Tobago, having blown a two-goal lead.
Defensive lapses remain a concern, and against Nigeria’s well-oiled attack, they’ll need more steel.
The Reggae Boyz are likely to stick with their attacking trio of Kaheim Dixon, Rumarn Burrell and Renaldo Cephas. At the back, Mason Holgate and Richard King are expected to start again despite looking shaky in their last outing.
Expected Jamaica XI:
Goalkeeper: Shaquan Davis
Defenders: Dexter Lembikisa, Mason Holgate, Richard King, Amari’i Bell
Midfielders: Jon Russell, Isaac Hayden, Kasey Palmer
Forwards: Rumarn Burrell, Kaheim Dixon, Renaldo Cephas
