News

Dessers reveals what 2019 AFCON bronze medallist told him before joining Rangers

Rangers have witnessed an influx of Nigerian talents in recent years, and Dessers is the latest to join the club

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has revealed that Nigeria teammate Leon Balogun’s reassuring words were why he decided to move to Rangers, Soccernet reports.

Dessers just moved from Genk to Cremonese last summer. But the move did not go well, as the Italian side wobbled and fumbled to relegation.

The 28-year-old goal poacher only managed seven goals in 29 appearances for the club. However, former Scottish champions Rangers made him one of their transfer targets this summer.

The Super Eagles striker finally completed his move to the Scottish giants on Thursday. Speaking on his reason for teaming up with the Gers, the Belgium-born striker revealed that he reached out to Balogun before making a decision.

“It’s a big relief to be here[Rangers] finally. There’s been some long and stressful days, but it is a great feeling to be here finally,” Dessers said per Glasgow Live.

“The first interest came already a long time ago, I think four years ago; I spoke via my emails with Nigerian national team Leon Balogun about the club.

“He was very positive about it, about the club, the coach, the people around the staff, the city. So yeah, that was an affirmation to go through it.”

Balogun was at Rangers between 2020-2022. He made 40 appearances in his two seasons and helped the club win the Scottish Premiership title once. He was part of the Super Eagles team that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

This post was last modified on July 7, 2023 6:33 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Recent Posts

Everything Chidera Ejuke said about Akor Adams on Sevilla debut

Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke has expressed elation at Akor Adams getting his Sevilla debut… Read More

5 hours ago

“We had a deal” – Trabzonspor President reveals Southampton’s shadiness over Onuachu’s transfer

Trabzonspor President, Ertugrul Dogan, has revealed Southampton prevented Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu, from moving… Read More

6 hours ago

Southampton boss lauds Super Eagles goalscoring duo after Ipswich victory

Southampton's head coach, Ivan Juric, praised Nigerian duo, Joe Ayodele-Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their… Read More

7 hours ago

Southampton’s Aribo ready to fight for top-flight status following goal against Ipswich Town

Super Eagles and Southampton midfielder, Joe Ayodele-Aribo has revealed his side plan to give everything… Read More

7 hours ago

Report: Carrick’s Middlesbrough nears signing of Super Eagles star

EFL Championship side Middlesbrough are reportedly closing in on the signature of Super Eagles attacker… Read More

15 hours ago

John Terry vs Roberto Carlos: What ex-Chelsea captain said to Mikel Obi after star-studded performance

Former Chelsea captain John Terry has hailed John Mikel Obi’s performance after their star-studded charity… Read More

18 hours ago