Cyriel Dessers Silences NFF With Goal After Harsh Match Report vs South Africa

Cyriel Dessers Silences NFF With Goal After Harsh Match Report vs South Africa

  • Cyriel Dessers has opened his goal account for Panathinaikos as he responded to criticism from the Nigerian Football Federation
  • His 30th-minute strike against Athens Kallithea was decisive as they went on to register their first win in the Greek Cup
  • The NFF had faulted the forward for his performance in Nigeria's 1-1 draw against South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has silenced the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) following his strike in Panathinaikos' 1-0 win over Athens Kallithea in the Greek Cup.

Dessers tucked home from close range in the 30th minute of the encounter, giving his side all three points.

This was only his second appearance since joining the Greek outfit, having made his debut on September 14 during a 3-2 loss to Kifisia.

Cyriel Dessers, Super Eagles, Greek Cup, Panathinaikos, Athens Kallithea, South Africa
Cyriel Dessers scores as Panathinaikos defeat Athens Kallithea. Credit: Ian MacNicol.
Source: Getty Images

It comes barely one week after the NFF blamed him following the Super Eagles' 1-1 draw with South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

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In the match report, the football body lambasted the striker for his contributions, saying he was too slow up front.

The statement reads in part:

"Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he turned out to be a substitute that was substituted, did not have a better game.
"He was too slow to latch onto passes, could not win aerial balls and did little in bringing alive the Nigerian attack."

Born in Tongeren, Belgium, to a Belgian father and Nigerian mother, the striker chose to represent Nigeria at the international level in December 2019. He stated that his dream was to play for the Super Eagles. He told Punch:

"It would be a big honour to play for Nigeria and it would be a no-brainer for me. I was born and grew up in Belgium, but when I look in the mirror or to my character, I can see that I’m Nigerian/African.

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"My dream has always been to represent Nigeria, wear the green and white jersey and put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. Hopefully, one day that will happen."

He has since made ten appearances for the national team, scoring 3 goals in the process, including the strike against Ghana at the Unity Cup in June.

NFF denies authorising viral report

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has denied authorising part of the match report, which vilified Cyriel Dessers.

The general secretary of the federation, Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed that the NFF respects all players in the team.

Sanusi told Brila:

"Nobody in the NFF posted that release. The NFF did not direct it. The NFF has respect for all the players, and it was a collective responsibility.
"When we win, it is not an individual effort. And if we lose, there should not be blame on any individual player. It is a collective one."

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Super Eagles star ruled out for 3 months after suffering injury against South Africa

Cyriel Dessers, Super Eagles, Greek Cup, Panathinaikos, Athens Kallithea, South Africa
NFF blames Cyriel Dessers following Nigeria's draw with South Africa. Photo: Catherine Ivill.
Source: Getty Images

Oshoala berates NFF over Dessers' comments

Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala condemned the NFF for the treatment of Cyriel Dessers.

The forward was far from impressed with the statement and hit out at the federation for the targeted comment.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Babajide Orevba avatar

Babajide Orevba (Sports Editor) Babajide Orevba is a FIFA and CAF-accredited Nigerian journalist, digital publishing expert, researcher, writer and TV analyst. He has covered several major football tournaments, including FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, AFCON, CAF Competitions, as well as grassroots competitions in Africa. Email: babajide.orevba@corp.legit.ng

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