Nigeria and Rangers star Cyriel Dessers
Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has opened the door to finishing his football career in Nigeria, offering a potential boost to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Glasgow Rangers forward Dessers has revealed his desire to wind down his career in one of four ‘exotic’ football destinations, with Nigeria making the shortlist alongside Japan, the United States, and South Africa.
Now 30, the former KRC Genk forward, who came close to leaving Rangers for Greece this summer, is already thinking about life after European football.
In a recent chat with SportsBoom, Dessers revealed he’s exploring his options for the final chapter of his career, and Nigeria is high on his list.
“It’s a hard choice, let me say something more exotic,” Cyriel Dessers said.
“But let me say a place like Japan, United States (MLS), South Africa or Nigeria. It would be nice to play there.”
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The Nigerian international, who joined Rangers from Cremonese in 2023, has enjoyed an impressive run in Scotland, scoring 51 goals in 109 appearances and finishing as the Scottish Premiership’s top scorer last season with 18 goals.
Although Saudi Arabia has become a popular destination for aging players, Cyriel Dessers appears more intrigued by the idea of returning to his roots or exploring culturally rich leagues in Asia or Africa.
Dessers, who impressed for the Super Eagles in recent outings, ruled out a return to Belgium, the Netherlands, or staying in Scotland for his swansong.
A return to Nigeria would be particularly symbolic for Dessers, whose career has spanned clubs across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy.
Among possible NPFL suitors, Remo Stars stand out as an ideal fit.
Founded in 2010 and backed by billionaire businessman Kunle Soname, Remo Stars clinched their first-ever NPFL title last season. As one of the few privately run, financially stable clubs in Nigeria, the Ogun State-based side has earned a reputation for professionalism, with no salary delays and strong player welfare policies.
For Belgium-born Dessers, such a setup could offer the perfect environment to reconnect with Nigerian football culture in the twilight of his career.
It would not be a strange move as several footballers who were in the Super Eagles ranks for many years played in the NPFL before calling time on the careers.
Presently, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa remains on the playing roster at Kano Pillars despite his appointment as the club’s General manager.
Former West Brom striker Brown Ideye also featured for former African champions Enyimba during the second half of last season.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.