Super Eagles striker, Cyriel Dessers has expressed disappointment over his continued wait to make a competitive debut for Nigeria, despite being involved with the national team since 2020.
The 30-year-old forward, who made his first appearance in a friendly against Tunisia in October 2020, has amassed seven caps for Nigeria all in non-competitive matches.
Despite these appearances, Dessers remains uncapped in an official fixture and is yet to feature at a major tournament for the three-time African champions.
Nigeria have already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and the striker is hopeful he will finally be part of the squad for the continental showpiece.
However, the absence of a cap-tying appearance means Dessers is technically still eligible to represent Belgium, though he has publicly pledged his full commitment to Nigeria.
Speaking to Modzero Sport in London, Dessers opened up about his international frustrations:
“It hurts sometimes, you feel disappointed. I have been in and around the squad for five years now and I haven’t played in an official game yet, only friendly games, so I must say that hurts.
“On the other hand, there’s always a lot of different factors. Of course, you have a few strikers, like for example like Victor Osimhen, who is a clear number one.
“It always depends on form, on choices, on personal opinion but I would say the two Afcons I missed out really hurt because I felt at that moment with my form I had a place in the squad.”
The Rangers striker noted the intense competition for attacking spots in the Super Eagles, especially with players like Victor Osimhen leading the line and new talents constantly emerging.
“I don’t like the world competition because I think we all have the same goal here in the national team,” he said.
“You see some extra strikers popped up again, Tolu (Arokodare) had an amazing season with Genk in Belgium, so there is always new talents coming up.”
Dessers, however, remains optimistic, reflecting on his personal growth:
“For me personally, I’ve had a very good season, I am very happy with that. I got better this season, stronger, more experienced, more calm in the head so I hope I can show that and bring that to the national team as well.”
