Cyriel Dessers makes Super Eagles statement with late Panathinaikos heroics – “A special phase”

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers made a timely statement in his bid to remain in the Super Eagles picture after scoring twice to fire Panathinaikos into the UEFA Conference League league phase, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 31-year-old came off the bench on the hour mark and delivered when his team needed him most, scoring in the 72nd minute before converting a dramatic 125th-minute penalty to secure a 2-1 victory over Hradec Kralove.

Dessers’ second goal came with the tie heading towards a penalty shootout, as the 31-year-old kept his composure from the spot to complete his brace and send Panathinaikos through 4-3 on aggregate.

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The result was huge, considering how the first leg had unfolded. Panathinaikos had surrendered a two-goal advantage in Athens to draw 2-2, leaving the Greek side needing to qualify in difficult circumstances.

Dessers, however, changed the game after entering in the second half. His first goal arrived with a header in the 72nd minute, giving Panathinaikos the lead after Vicente Taborda picked him out.

Hradec Kralove levelled through Vladimir Darida in stoppage time, forcing the match into extra time, but Dessers had the final say when Panathinaikos were awarded a late penalty.

Cyriel Dessers makes his intentions clear

The former Rangers striker was elated with his contribution after the match, particularly because his goals helped Panathinaikos secure European football.

“I am very happy that my first goals gave us qualification,” the 11-cap Super Eagles striker said in quotes revealed by Sportal, explaining how important the result was for a team undergoing significant changes.

“It is a special phase of the year, changes are made, new players are coming, there is pressure.

“Now that we have qualified, the pressure can be reduced and we can play good football as a team.”

The striker also admitted that he would rather avoid the kind of late drama that ultimately made him the hero of the night.

“It’s nice to score in extra time, but I prefer to avoid it,” he added.

More importantly, Dessers made it clear that he believes this is only the beginning, particularly after his injury-ridden spell in Greece.

“I’m glad I gave Panathinaikos something after a difficult year. The best is yet to come. I’m growing, and the team is growing too.”

A timely boost for the Super Eagles

Dessers' route back into Nigeria's plans will not be straightforward, but performances like this strengthen his case for consideration.

Coming off the bench to score twice in a European qualifier demonstrates the kind of impact he can provide even when he is not a starter.

His first goal showed his ability to attack the box and finish a cross, while the second highlighted his composure under immense pressure.

Nigeria have plenty of attacking options, but Dessers offers a different profile. His movement inside the penalty area, physical presence and willingness to attack crosses can give the Super Eagles another option when matches become tight.

Whether that is enough to force his way into Nigeria's plans will depend on how consistently he performs for Panathinaikos, and how well Chelle's other options play in the build-up to the AFCON 2027 September qualifiers.