Dessers makes first Super Eagles start; no NPFL player in starting 11

The Feyenoord attacker arrived Dallas yesterday and has been thrust straight into action against Mexico

Feyenoord attacker, Cyriel Dessers is in the starting lineup against the El Tri on his return to the Super Eagles.

Dessers, one of Nigeria’s top scorers in Europe last season has been listed as part of a front three with Lorient’s Terem Moffi and Moses Simon on both flanks.

The trio of Innocent Bonke, Joe Aribo and Alex Iwobi are in the midfield while a back four of William Troost-Ekong, Semilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem and Calvin Bassey have also been listed.

All eight NPFL players in the squad are on the bench, and they include; Adewale Adeyinka, Olorunleke Ojo, Victor Mbaoma, Sani Faisal, Ibrahim Buhari, Ishaq Rafiu, and Chiamaka Madu.

The game will be Dessers’ second cap for Nigeria and his first start for the national team.

It is also the first time new Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro will lead the team out in a game.

Nigeria XI vs Mexico – Uzoho; Awaziem; Ekong; Ajayi; Bassey; Bonke; Aribo; Iwobi; Simon; Moffi; Dessers