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| Photo credit — Cyril Desser’s |
Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers has asked Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle for permission to remain with his Greek club during the current international break rather than report for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
According to a report from the Greek outlet Sport24, the 31-year-old forward contacted Chelle directly.
Dessers wants to continue his recovery and preparation under Panathinaiko’s medical and coaching staff in Athens instead of travelling for national team duty. Nigeria accepted the request.
As a result, Dessers will miss the Super Eagle’s opening Group L qualifier against Madagascar and the following fixture against Guinea-Bissau. Reports indicate he had been part of Chelle’s initial 24-man plans before the decision was made.
Desser’s has been working his way back to full fitness after injury issues. Before the international window he made a positive contribution for Panathinaikos, scoring twice in their dramatic 2-1 UEFA Conference League win over Hradec Králové on 27 August.
Links
→〉Chelle Names Super Eagles Starting XI for Madagascar AFCON Qualifier – Full Lineup & Analysis
→〉Super Eagles Come From Behind to Beat Madagascar 2-1 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier
Nigeria already face absences in attack. Victor Osimhen is unavailable after picking up a right-thigh muscle strain while playing for Galatasaray against Başakşehir. Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as his replacement. Chelle’s central striking options now include Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena. Additional attacking depth comes from Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Moses Usor.
The Super Eagles’ Group L campaign has added importance. Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, receives automatic qualification. That leaves Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau competing for the remaining qualification place from the group.
Desser’s priority appears to be regaining full match sharpness with Panathinaikos, including preparation for the upcoming derby against Olympiacos after the international break. Whether the decision affects his future involvement with the Super Eagles remains to be seen, given the depth of options available to Chelle.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers news, politics, current affairs, education, and technology.
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