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Cyriel Dessers Rangers form ignored as Nigeria boss explains call-up snub

Cyriel Dessers won't feature for Nigeria during the international break
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Nigeria boss Augustine Eguavoen has explained his decision to leave out Cyriel Dessers from his Super Eagles squad.

Dessers has drawn a blank in his last four games but is still Rangers' top scorer this season with seven goals to his name. However, the much-maligned striker remains out of the international reckoning after being overlooked for this month's African Cup of Nations double-header against Libya.

Six-times capped Dessers - who ended last term with 22 goals - hasn't been selected for his country since March. And the Ibrox frontman faces a fight to force his way back into the international fold, with Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of him in the pecking order - despite failing to score a single goal for new club Seville this season.

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Eguavoen said: "I decided to include Kelechi Iheanacho of Seville when it became clear Victor Osimhen would not be fit in time.

"I looked at both Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, but opted for Kelechi this time because he is the more experienced striker."