Dessers Chooses Panathinaikos Over Super Eagles Duty During AFCON Qualifiers

Cyriel Dessers has received permission from Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle to remain with Panathinaikos during the international break instead of joining Nigeria for its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Greek outlet Sport24 reported that the 31-year-old striker personally contacted Chelle to request permission to continue his recovery in Athens under the supervision of Panathinaikos’ medical and coaching staff.

Nigeria granted the request, meaning Dessers will miss the Super Eagles’ opening Group L qualifier against Madagascar as well as the subsequent fixture against Guinea-Bissau.

Dessers was initially included in Chelle’s 24-man squad but opted to remain with his club as he works toward regaining full fitness following a recent injury. Before the international break, the forward had featured prominently for Panathinaikos, scoring twice in the club’s 2-1 Conference League victory over Hradec Králové on August 27.

The Super Eagles are also dealing with the absence of Victor Osimhen, who suffered a right-thigh muscle injury while representing Galatasaray against Başakşehir earlier this month.

Following Osimhen’s withdrawal, Taiwo Awoniyi was brought into the squad, leaving Chelle with Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena as central striking options. Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Moses Usor are also available among the team’s attacking options.

Nigeria’s Group L campaign is particularly important because Tanzania, one of the hosts of the 2027 AFCON tournament, has automatic qualification. As a result, Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are competing for the group’s remaining qualification spot.