Dessers Listed As Eric Chelle Drops 1 Top Striker Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers vs S/Africa, Rwanda
- Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has made a bold move by inviting Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification matches
- Nigeria will face Rwanda in Uyo on September 3, then travel to play Group C leaders South Africa on September 7
- The three-time AFCON have won one out of six matches and are condemned to win their remaining matches or risk missing the biggest football tournament in the world
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
Eric Chelle is desperate to qualify Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The former Mali gaffer signed a two-year deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in January, with the mandate of securing the ticket.
The 47-year-old has played two matches in charge, winning 2-0 against Rwanda in Kigali and drew 1-1 against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in Uyo.
Source: Getty Images
Before Eric Chelle took over as manager, the Super Eagles were without a win in the qualifiers with three draws and one loss.
Nigeria are currently sitting in fourth place with 7 points from six matches.
Dessers in, Onuachu out
In a bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has extended an invitation to Cyriel Dessers of Rangers.
According to ScoreNigeria, the Franco-Malian has dropped Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu, as the forward is yet to translate his club side performance to his country.
Chelle is desperate to redeem his image after the disastrous outing at the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Tanzania.
Before the appointment of the former Mali coach, the Super Eagles struggled during their first four matches in the absence of Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen returned from injury, scoring a brace against Rwanda and one goal against Zimbabwe.
Source: Getty Images
Desser injured?
Coach of Rangers FC, Russell Martin said Nigeria international Cyriel Dessers will be fit ahead of the Champions League play-offs against Club Brugge.
According to BBC, Martin said the forward sustained minor injury during the 2-1 loss against Viktoria Plzen. he said:
"Cyriel's is not as bad as everyone feared so tomorrow will be too early but we're really hopeful he can be involved on Tuesday."
Why Chelle is considering Dessers
Belgian-born striker Cyriel Dessers was overlooked by previous coaches (Jose Peseiro and George Finidi) during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria finished runner-up and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The 30-year-old got called up by Eric Chelle, playing a key role in Nigeria's 2-1 win over Ghana in the semifinal of the 2025 Unity Cup in Chelle.
Dessers increased his goal tally to three for the Super Eagles, including two goals in two appearances against the Black Stars during a friendly in March 2024.
Ideye praises Dessers
Legit.ng earlier reported that 2013 AFCON winner Brown Ideye has praised forward Cyriel Dessers for his performance during the 2025 Unity Cup.
Ideye expressed his admiration for the Rangers forward’s performance and urged Chelle and his coaching crew to give the player more opportunities.
Source: Legit.ng
