Photo: Rangers striker Dessers marries in Italy after withdrawing from Nigeria squad for friendly

Cyriel Dessers was one of the standout players as the Super Eagles won the Unity Cup in May, registering a goal and providing his first-ever assist in Nigeria colours during the tournament in London.

Following a spate of withdrawals from the Nigeria squad ahead of the friendly against Russia, particularly in the attacking department, Dessers was widely expected to be included in the travelling party to Moscow.

However, the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot winner requested to be excluded from the 20-man squad, with manager Eric Chelle instead handing a first international call-up to Krasnodar forward Olakunle Olusegun.

It has now been confirmed that the Rangers striker withdrew from the Nigeria squad due to his wedding in Italy.

According to Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, it was a beautiful weekend for Dessers and his new wife, Rosalie De Ruysscher, who held their wedding celebration on Saturday at a stunning location in Montalbano, southern Italy.

Although Cyriel Dessers has pledged his international allegiance to Nigeria over his country of birth, the Tongeren-born player remains eligible to represent Belgium as all eight of his appearances for the Super Eagles have come in friendly matches.

The 30-year-old has scored three goals in those outings, including two against Ghana's Black Stars.

On a personal level, Dessers enjoyed a standout season with Rangers, scoring 29 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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