The push to be in the sqaud of the senior national team of Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations is one that will be heated in the area of attack.
Presently about three strikers are battling for one remaining spots in the attack of the team with Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar sure to be at the tournament next year in Cote d’Ivoire.
It leaves the like of like Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu and Gift Orban in straight fight for the spot but another name has been added to the mix in Rangers of Scotland forward Cyriel Dessers.
Dessers did his chances of gate crashing the team a whole lot of good with an assist and a well taken solo goal in his team’s 3-2 win away to Spanish side Real Betis in the Europa League.
The goal was his first of the tournament but his six in all competitions, a remarkable return after his slow start to life at the Scottish side that he joined in the summer from relegated Italian Serie A side Cremonense.
Earlier this month, Dessers who has four senior caps for Nigeria and a goal spoke about his eagerness to be in the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON, and that goal against Real Betis will no doubt put him in the frame to stake a claim in the eyes of head coach Jose Peseiro.
“The last few times I was in the Nigeria pre-selection squad, but not in the final selection. If you look at the other strikers and the form that they are in, I can understand that,” Dessers was quoted by the Daily Record.
“We have a few players competing to be the third or fourth striker and then it depends on form. The competition in Nigeria is absurd. I could have chosen to play for Belgium, but I am very happy with my choice.
“I have already experienced fantastic moments. My first international goal, in front of a hundred thousand spectators against Mexico in Dallas, is a moment I will never forget.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
