Rangers striker who scored Nigeria's first goal under Peseiro hoping to gatecrash AFCON squad

Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers is hoping to gatecrash Nigeria's squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations having been named in a 40-man provisional squad for the tournament in Ivory Coast. 

The 29-year-old will have to battle it out with Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Ahmed Musa, Samuel Chukwueze, and six other forwards for a place in the final shortlist which is to be released before January 3, 2024 deadline.

Dessers scored Nigeria's first goal under current boss Jose Peseiro and it came in a friendly against Ecuador on May 29, 2022.

He has not featured for the Super Eagles since his second-half cameo in the 2-1 loss to Algeria in an international friendly last year.

While asked during his media duties ahead of Rangers' clash with Celtic tomorrow in the Scottish Premiership on how he would feel if he makes the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations,  Dessers admitted that it would be a privilege to represent the three-time African champions at the competition but also said that he isn't focused on that at the moment.

"That would be an honor, that is for sure.  To be in the squad for a nation like Nigeria to go to a big tournament but at this moment, I am not focusing on that," Dessers told reporters. 

"I will see that after the Kilmarnock game, how the squad is, what is happening, maybe I get some days off, maybe I go there, for now, I am fully focused on tomorrow's game." 

The former Cremonese forward has made just 4 appearances for Nigeria, recording just one goal but has never featured in any international tournament for the West Africa country.

Having not played in any international game for a while, he would be one of the surprise inclusions in the squad if named by Peseiro in the final list for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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