Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers will miss Nigeria’s high-profile international friendly against Russia this Friday, June 6 – and the reason is as personal as it is joyful, Footynaija.com reports.
Dessers, who impressed fans with his sharp performances in the recently concluded Unity Cup in London, has withdrawn from the Moscow showdown to attend his own wedding, Nigerian journalist Adepoju Tobi has revealed.
The 30-year-old forward scored Nigeria’s opening goal against Ghana and provided an assist in the thrilling 2-2 draw with Jamaica, which Nigeria won on penalties. His form had raised expectations ahead of the clash with Russia, especially as he was one of the few players retained for the friendly after the Unity Cup.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the Rangers forward has pulled out of the squad due to “personal reasons,” which sources now confirm is his upcoming nuptials.
Dessers is not the only major name missing. The Super Eagles will also be without Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, Sadiq Umar, Ola Aina, and Nathan Tella.
Ndidi and Umar are sidelined by injury, while Chukwueze and Iheanacho have family commitments. Aina has withdrawn due to personal reasons, and Tella is awaiting the renewal of his UK passport.
Despite the absentees, the squad arrived in Moscow on Monday and will begin full training on Tuesday ahead of the game, which takes place at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium, the largest in Russia and one of Europe’s biggest football arenas.
SUPER EAGLES FOR RUSSIA FRIENDLY:
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford FC, England)
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers)
Forwards: Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia)