Cyriel Dessers speaks on competing with Victor Osimhen for Super Eagles starting spot

Super Eagles and Rangers forward, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers, has admitted Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, is Nigeria's undisputed starting striker, although he'd love to play as well, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Belgium-born Nigerian attacker has been impressive since joining Rangers, scoring 51 goals and providing 16 assists in 109 games across all competitions.

Although Dessers has featured in friendly games for the Super Eagles, he's yet to play in an official tournament, despite having a better goalscoring record. While he made his disappointment clear, he revealed he understands it's a competitive position he's vying for, given the pedigree of Victor Osimhen.

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“It hurts sometimes [to miss out on these tournaments], It feels disappointing. I've been in and around the squad for five years now, and I haven't played an official game yet, only friendly games, so I must say that hurts.

“On the other hand, there are always a lot of different factors. Of course, you have a few strikers, like, for example, Victor Osimhen, who is a clear number one, and there are always others; it always depends on form, on choices, on personal opinion.

So I am currently being dragged on my Instagram cos of this question I asked Cyriel Dessers.

Please tell me, how you for ask the question abeg? pic.twitter.com/EfneDNbKvL

— Deltan (@modovictorekene) June 3, 2025

“I would say the two AFCON tournaments I missed out really hurts, because I felt that at that time, that moment with my form, I had a place in the squad, but hey, it's a big country, there's a lot of competition, we have a lot of good strikers. Who am I?

“I'm not making the choices. The only thing I can do is perform, score my goals at my club, and show that I'm ready, and when called up, like yesterday, for example, show what I can do for the team, how I can help the team with goals, but also with hard work and dedication,” the former Cremonese striker said in an interview with Victor Modo.

Cyriel Dessers will not feature in Nigeria's friendly game against Russia on Friday. He's been excused from the squad to attend a family engagement, with sources indicating he is getting married.