.jpg)
Former Rangers midfielder Scott Nathaniel Arfield has thrown his support behind Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers, praising the Nigerian forward’s recent form and backing him to become a key player in Scotland. Despite facing criticism and challenges throughout the season, Arfield believes Dessers has the potential to shine and make a lasting impact at Rangers.
Dessers, in his debut season with the Gers, netted 22 goals across all competitions, proving his worth even when under intense scrutiny. This season, he’s matched that goal tally with two months of football still to play, showcasing his resilience and importance to the team. His contributions in the UEFA Europa League have also been crucial to Barry Ferguson's side’s success.
However, despite his impressive form, Dessers was notably left out of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad for the March international break, a decision that raised eyebrows. Arfield, who played for Rangers from 2018 to 2023, has defended Dessers, stating that the forward is often unfairly criticized. In his column for the Daily Record, Arfield wrote, “Cyriel Dessers who gets a raw deal at times in my eyes – is nowhere near as bad as a player as some critics claim. He just needs to keep grinding, like the Buff, and hopefully, he’ll hit those heights.”
Dessers wasn’t the only Rangers player omitted from the squad, as veteran Leon Balogun, who recently expressed his desire to continue playing for Nigeria, also failed to make the 39-man provisional list. Despite these exclusions, the Super Eagles have been thriving, securing a 2-0 victory over Rwanda last Friday.
As Dessers continues to impress with Rangers, Arfield’s endorsement serves as a reminder of the striker’s undeniable talent, suggesting that his critics may soon have to eat their words.
.jpg)