Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers has wasted little time making his mark at Panathinaikos, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Athens Kallithea in the Greek Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
The 30-year-old forward, who joined from Rangers on deadline day for a reported £3.5m plus add-ons, struck in the 30th minute at the Olympiako Stadio Athinon. It was his first start for the club, as he showed he could be of massive importance to the Greens this season.
Dessers first goal for Panathinaikos pic.twitter.com/bCu52HvGaJ
— Leto Foot (@LetoFoot) September 17, 2025
Having come off the bench in last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Kifisia, Dessers showed sharp instincts to finish off a sweeping move. Tete’s surging run down the right ended with a low cross, and the 30-year-old forward calmly applied the final touch to open his account.
Kallithea fought hard in the second half, but Panathinaikos goalkeeper Alban Lafont stood firm, ensuring Dessers’ strike proved the difference in the opening round of the League Phase.
For Dessers, it was a statement performance. The Super Eagles international left Rangers this summer after two seasons, where he scored regularly but endured criticism during a turbulent campaign.
It was an absolute honour to wear the nr. 9 at Rangers, something that will fill me with pride for the rest of my life.
I want to wish everybody at Rangers all the best, take good care of the club, you guys are so important. pic.twitter.com/APSuuptacr
— Cyriel Dessers (@CyrielDessers) September 1, 2025
In a heartfelt farewell, he described it as “an absolute honour” to wear the No.9 shirt at Ibrox and thanked fans for their support.
Now in Greece, Dessers says his main ambition is to win a league title, something missing from his CV despite successful spells in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scotland. His early impact suggests Panathinaikos may have found the striker to lead that charge.