Cyriel Dessers, a 31-year-old striker, has asked Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle for permission to remain with his Greek club, Panathinaikos, during the international break. This decision means Dessers will not join Nigeria for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. According to reports, Dessers contacted Chelle directly to make this request, which was subsequently approved by Nigeria. Dessers is currently working on regaining full fitness following a recent injury.
Dessers had been included in Chelle's 24-man squad but will now focus on his recovery with Panathinaikos' medical and coaching staff. Before the international break, Dessers made a significant impact for Panathinaikos, scoring twice in their 2-1 Conference League victory over Hradec Králové on August 27. His absence will be felt by the Super Eagles, as he will miss Nigeria's opening qualifier against Madagascar and the next Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles are also without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out due to a right-thigh muscle strain sustained in a Galatasaray match. As a replacement, Taiwo Awoniyi was called up, leaving Chelle with several central striking options, including Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, and George Ilenikhena. Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Moses Usor provide further attacking options for the team.
Nigeria's Group L campaign holds significant importance, as Tanzania, one of the hosts of the 2027 AFCON, is automatically qualified for the tournament. Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau are competing for the group's remaining qualification place. Dessers' immediate priority is to complete his recovery and regain full sharpness with Panathinaikos.
Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles coach, now faces the challenge of adjusting his team's strategy without Dessers and Osimhen. The coach will have to rely on his remaining squad members to secure a positive outcome in the upcoming qualifiers. Nigeria's football fans will be eagerly awaiting the team's performance in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be a significant event, with Tanzania co-hosting the tournament. As a result, Nigeria's matches in Group L have added importance, and the team will need to perform well to secure a qualification spot. The Super Eagles' coaching staff will be working closely with the players to ensure they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Cyriel Dessers' decision to focus on his recovery with Panathinaikos reflects his commitment to regaining full fitness and form. His absence from the Super Eagles duty will undoubtedly be felt, but the team will need to adapt and move forward with the players available. The 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign will be a test of Nigeria's strength and resilience in the face of challenges.
Key points
- Cyriel Dessers requests permission to skip Super Eagles duty for Panathinaikos
- Dessers to miss Nigeria's qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau
- Super Eagles also without Victor Osimhen due to injury
