Super Eagles Striker Dessers Ruled Out For Season After Surgery Decision

Super Eagles Striker Dessers Ruled Out For Season After Surgery Decision

Sampson Adedeji 

Nigerian international Cyriel Dessers will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 season after opting to undergo surgery on a lingering thigh injury, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 32-year-old forward is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months, effectively ending his campaign with Panathinaikos.

Dessers sustained the injury during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year. 

He subsequently returned to Greece for treatment and was unable to make a single appearance for Nigeria at the tournament.

Although Panathinaikos had indicated in February that the striker had resumed on-field training and was close to a return, further medical assessments revealed that the injury had not healed sufficiently. 

According to Sportal Greece, the club then opted for immediate surgical intervention.

Dessers joined Panathinaikos from Rangers last summer. 

The former US Cremonese forward managed two goals and one assist in five league appearances before being sidelined.

His absence is a significant setback for both club and country as he continues his recovery ahead of the new season.