Cyriel Dessers has asked Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle if he can stay with Panathinaikos during the international break. He wants to focus on his recovery instead of joining Nigeria for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Greek news outlet Sport24 reports that the 31-year-old reached out to Chelle directly to ask for permission to remain in Athens. He wants to continue his recovery and preparation with the medical and coaching team at Panathinaikos. Nigeria has accepted his request.
Dessers was originally named in Chelle’s 24-man squad. But now he will stay with the Greek club as he works to regain full fitness after his recent injury.
Before the international break, Dessers had been doing well for Panathinaikos. He scored twice in their exciting 2-1 win over Hradec Králové in the Conference League on August 27.
His decision means he will miss Nigeria’s first qualifier against Madagascar. Dessers will also not play in the next Group L match against Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles will also be without Victor Osimhen. Osimhen cannot play because he hurt his right thigh during Galatasaray’s game with Başakşehir earlier this month.
Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace Osimhen. This leaves Chelle with Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, and George Ilenikhena as his central striking options. Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Moses Usor are also available for attacking roles.
Nigeria’s Group L matches are very important. Tanzania, one of the hosts for the 2027 AFCON, has already qualified. Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau are now competing for the last qualification spot in the group.
For Dessers, the main focus now is to finish his recovery and get back to his best with Panathinaikos.
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