Cyriel Dessers Stays with Panathinaikos, Skips AFCON Qualifiers

Cyriel Dessers, a 31-year-old striker, has requested permission from Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle to stay with Panathinaikos during the international break, opting not to join Nigeria for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. Dessers contacted Chelle directly to seek approval for remaining in Athens to continue his recovery with the club’s medical and coaching staff.

Nigeria accepted his request, which means he will miss the Super Eagles' opening Group L qualifier against Madagascar and the subsequent match against Guinea-Bissau. Initially included in Chelle’s 24-man squad, Dessers is focusing on regaining full fitness after a recent injury.

Prior to the international break, he had scored twice in Panathinaikos’ 2-1 Conference League victory over Hradec Králové on August 27. Nigeria is already without Victor Osimhen due to a right-thigh muscle strain, and Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace him, leaving Chelle with several options for central striking roles.