Super Eagles striker, Cyriel Dessers delivered a standout performance, scoring and providing an assist in Rangers’ 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday.
The forward, who is enjoying a fine run of form, now has three goals and two assists in nine Europa League appearances this season.
Rangers wasted no time asserting their dominance as Dessers broke the deadlock in the sixth minute with a well-taken strike.
However, Ghanaian defender Alexander Djiku pulled Fenerbahce level in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
Just three minutes before the break, Dessers turned provider, setting up Vaclav Cerny, who calmly slotted home to restore Rangers’ lead.
The second half saw Rangers continue their attacking momentum.
Dessers thought he had bagged his second of the night just six minutes after the restart, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Another effort from the forward in the 58th minute met the same fate, as the assistant referee’s flag denied him a brace.
Fenerbahce pushed hard in search of an equalizer but struggled to break down Rangers’ resilient defense.
The Scottish side eventually put the game to bed in the 81st minute when Cerny grabbed his second of the night, sealing an important 3-1 victory.
This season, he has been in sensational form, scoring 22 goals and providing seven assists across all competitions.
Meanwhile, his compatriot, Leon Balogun, was introduced in the 26th minute after Robin Propper sustained an injury.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, however, was not included in Fenerbahce’s squad.
With the second leg set to take place in Turkey, Rangers must remain cautious as Fenerbahce will be desperate to turn the tie around.
Meanwhile, Cyriel Dessers has thrust himself back into the Super Eagles conversation just days after making Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month.
