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Dessers ends eight-month wait to put Panathinaikos into Conference League play-off final round
Cyriel Dessers made a decisive return for Panathinaikos by scoring in extra time to secure a 2-1 win over CSKA Sofia in the UEFA Conference League on Tuesday, a result that will alert Nigeria coach Eric Chelle ahead of next month’s international fixtures.
Dessers had not played a competitive match since December 2025 after a serious thigh injury disrupted his campaign. The striker had initially been included in Chelle’s Nigeria squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, but the injury ruled him out of the tournament and forced him to return to his club earlier than planned.
The problem eventually required surgery, bringing his season to an early end. He returned to full training with his Panathinaikos team-mates during pre-season, however, and finally made his comeback against CSKA Sofia.
Dessers started the match among the substitutes before manager Jacob Neestrup sent him on in the 65th minute. His impact was immediate, as he went on to provide the crucial moment in a closely contested tie.
The two sides had drawn 1-1 in both legs, including the second match in Bulgaria, leaving the aggregate score level at 2-2. The tie therefore went into extra time, where Dessers delivered the breakthrough.
Four minutes into the additional period, the Nigerian forward found the decisive goal to give Panathinaikos a 2-1 victory on the night. The win sent the Greek club through to the final round of the UEFA Conference League play-offs.
For Dessers, the goal was an important personal milestone after an eight-month absence from competitive football. His return suggests he is now back to full fitness and ready to compete for a regular place at Panathinaikos as the new season develops.
His performance will also be encouraging for Chelle, who has historically shown a preference for the striker. If Dessers can maintain his fitness and continue producing goals, the Franco-Malian coach is likely to consider bringing him back into the Nigeria squad.
The Super Eagles are due to resume competitive action in September, when they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Their opening two fixtures are against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Dessers could be in contention for a recall next month, particularly with several other Nigerian forwards still adapting to new clubs and attempting to establish themselves. His experience and ability to operate in a two-striker system could make him a useful option for Chelle.
The Nigeria coach generally favours playing with two forwards, meaning there remains room for several strikers in the squad. Dessers’ immediate priority, though, will be to build on his return, score consistently and secure a starting role for Panathinaikos.
His goal against CSKA Sofia has provided the first major sign that he is ready to resume the form that previously made him a serious option for the Super Eagles.
