Nigeria Players Abroad
Nigeria’s Cyriel Dessers fires Rangers into Scottish Cup final
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international Cyriel Dessers delivered a superb performance, scoring twice to secure Rangers’ place in the Scottish Cup final against Old Firm rivals Celtic on May 25.
In a crucial semi-final clash against Hearts on Sunday, Dessers opened the scoring after just five minutes, sliding in a precise finish to give Rangers an early lead. Todd Cantwell provided the assist with a well-timed pass.
Dessers then sealed the victory in the 78th minute, dribbling past defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner for his 18th goal of the season. Cantwell was once again involved, setting up the Nigerian striker for his second goal.
Despite missing out on a hat-trick, Dessers played a pivotal role throughout the game, setting up opportunities for his teammates. His performance left Hearts still searching for their first win over Rangers at Hampden Park.
Everyone wants to score a hat-trick and I had a good chance with my left foot but I opted to pass it instead,” Dessers told Rangers TV. “But to me, it doesn’t matter who scores the goals, I just want to win games.”
Cantwell was once again involved, setting up Dessers for his second goal of the game.
“Hearts were pushing at that time but the second goal killed the game,” Dessers commented. “I am glad it went in.”
Despite missing out on a hat-trick, Dessers played a pivotal role throughout the game, setting up opportunities for his teammates.
“We know we have important weeks coming up and this was big for us,” Dessers said. “Making the final is huge, but this is only the beginning, we want to win the final now.”
With Dessers in fine form, Rangers will be looking to lift the Scottish Cup trophy in the upcoming final against Celtic.
