What Cyriel Dessers Decision Means For The Super Eagles

The Heracles Almelo striker got his maiden call up to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Sierra Leone.

Although that has now been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Dessers got called up after he declared to represent his mother’s country despite being born in Belgium. 

The former Utrecht man would be an excellent addition to the Super Eagles while gaining the intelligence to adapt to African football as the case may be.

The 25-year-old would be expected to link up with the team after the coronavirus pandemic, and this could see him line-up with the young Nigerian side.

His international decision to play for Nigeria is a welcome development as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) continues the chase for other foreign-born talents.

Following Cyriel Dessers call-up, we evaluate what it means for the Super Eagles.

CHALLENGE FOR VICTOR OSIMHEN

Dessers is a quality addition to the Super Eagles, and that could create a friendly rivalry between him and Osimhen who is currently Nigeria’s No. 9.

Both players are world-class by their standards, but Victor may already have the edge owing to the immense goal-scoring ability that has earned him the ovation he’s enjoying at the moment.

This could be identified with the growing reputation he has built with top clubs linked with his services. However, Dessers can rival him as the Super Eagles top striker due to his impressive form in the Dutch Eredivise.

He would provide a stern test for Osimhen which is a good thing for the Super Eagles.

NEW ATTACKING REFORMS

The team have used a lot of formations in the past during Gernot Rohr’s time with the Super Eagles. Rohr has always favoured the 4-3-3 formation, but he also tried the 3-5-2 system in the game against Iceland and Argentina.

With Ighalo out from the picture following his international retirement and Onuachu struggling, it’s evident that the team needs a capable striker that can provide cover for Osimhen.

Nigeria needs a quality centre forward in case they need to play with two strikers in the team. With Osimhen the preferred striker Cyriel could be the ideal striker to join him in the attack as Rohr continues to thinker his team in the future.

RENAISSANCE OF OSAZE ODEMWIMGIE

Dessers has been likened to Super Eagles legend and the fair-skinned Osaze Odemwingie. Both players look alike with the fair-skin colour, and they play in the same position.

They have the pace to run behind opposition’s defences, and also have the tactical intelligence to adapt (succeed) in Europe’s top leagues.

Osaze was a fan favourite, and this paved the way in his favour when he was selected for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. This was possible even though he had an issue with Eagles coach Stephen Keshi as at then.

Dessers is poised to replicate Osaze’s memories as they’ve got a similar style of play and it’s a welcome development for the Super Eagles Eagles.