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Cyriel Dessers boosts Super Eagles hopes with Panathinaikos Conference League heroics
Cyriel Dessers strengthened his case for a return to the Super Eagles squad by scoring twice as Panathinaikos reached the UEFA Conference League league phase with a dramatic 2-1 win over Hradec Kralove.
The 31-year-old striker came on in the 60th minute and made a decisive impact, heading Panathinaikos in front in the 72nd minute before scoring a 125th-minute penalty to settle the tie.
Dessers’ late spot-kick secured a 4-3 aggregate victory for the Greek side, with the match appearing to be heading for a penalty shootout after Hradec Kralove equalised in stoppage time.
The result was particularly significant because Panathinaikos had allowed a two-goal advantage to slip in the first leg in Athens. That match ended 2-2, leaving the Greek club facing a difficult task in the return fixture.
Dessers changed the contest after his introduction. His first goal came when Vicente Taborda delivered a cross for the striker to attack, and Dessers made no mistake with his header to give Panathinaikos the lead.
Hradec Kralove responded through Vladimir Darida during added time, taking the match into extra time and putting Panathinaikos’ European qualification hopes under renewed pressure.
But Dessers remained composed when Panathinaikos were awarded a penalty deep into the additional period. He converted from the spot to complete his brace and send his side through to the next stage.
The former Rangers forward was delighted with his contribution after the final whistle, especially because his goals ensured Panathinaikos secured European football. He also acknowledged that he would rather avoid the late drama that eventually turned him into the match-winner.
The performance could prove important in Dessers’ attempt to re-establish himself in Nigeria’s plans. His route back into the Super Eagles squad is unlikely to be straightforward, but scoring twice in a European qualifier provides a timely reminder of what he can offer.
Dessers’ influence was especially notable because he delivered from the bench rather than starting the match. His ability to alter a game after being introduced gives him an additional argument as Nigeria consider their attacking options.
The first goal underlined his threat inside the penalty area and his ability to finish from a cross. The second demonstrated his composure in one of the most pressurised moments of the tie, with Panathinaikos’ European campaign at stake.
Nigeria have several attacking players to choose from, but Dessers provides a different profile. His movement in the box, physical presence and willingness to attack deliveries could offer the Super Eagles another solution in tight matches.
However, one strong European performance will not automatically secure his place in the national team. His prospects will depend on whether he can maintain this level consistently for Panathinaikos, as well as how Chelle’s other attacking options perform before the AFCON 2027 September qualifiers.
For now, Dessers has made the kind of statement he needed. After an injury-hit spell in Greece, his late heroics have given Panathinaikos a place in the UEFA Conference League league phase and put his name back into consideration for Nigeria.
