“He’s really trying” – Nigerian defender lauds Cyriel Dessers amidst backlash from fans

Super Eagles and Rangers defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun, has backed his club and National teammate, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers to keep his goalscoring form going, Soccernet.ng reports.

Dessers joined Rangers from Cremonese last season, but his stay at Glasgow has been filled with highs and lows due to the inconsistency of the Super Eagles striker in front of goal.

The 29-year-old has put up very good numbers for Rangers, but is yet to fully win the hearts of the fans as he could have scored much more.

After scoring against Olympiacos in the UEFA Europa League last week, Dessers revealed missing chances is a part of being a striker. The former Feyenoord man additionally mentioned if he scored more goals based on the chances he comes across, he probably wouldn't be at Rangers.

The statement caused uproar on social media amongst fans, but the striker shunned his doubters by finding the back of the net against Hearts yesterday, drawing praise from his teammate, Leon Balogun.

“We need Cyriel up there. I wish sometimes that he would reward himself more. Everyone would benefit from that.

He is really trying, and I am pleased for him to score three goals on the bounce. It is good for his confidence, and hopefully he picks up even more,” the 36-year-old told the club's official website after the game.

Despite scoring in three consecutive games, Dessers wasn't called up to the Super Eagles squad for their AFCON qualifiers against Rwanda and Benin Republic.