Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers was in the spotlight on Monday as he celebrated his 31st birthday, receiving warm wishes from both the Nigeria Football Federation and his current club, Panathinaikos.

Born on December 8, 1994, in Tongeren, Belgium, the dual-national centre-forward qualifies to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian mother.

Dessers made his Nigeria debut in a friendly against Tunisia in October 2020 but had to wait five years for a cap-tying appearance, which came in a World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, when he replaced an injured Victor Osimhen off the bench.

While UEFA did not formally wish him a happy birthday, the European football governing body paid tribute to the striker on social media by highlighting his goal against Manchester United in a January 2025 Europa League fixture while playing for Rangers.

With the Light Blues trailing 1-0, Dessers showcased his skill by evading Harry Maguire, expertly controlling James Tavernier’s brilliant pass, and unleashing an unstoppable left-footed strike into the far corner in the 88th minute, leaving goalkeeper Altay Bayındır helpless.

Although Dessers' strike seemed to have salvaged a point for Rangers, Manchester United secured a late victory with a stoppage-time goal from Bruno Fernandes.

The Nigeria international will be sidelined for Panathinaikos upcoming Europa League clash with FC Viktoria Plzeň on Thursday as he was replaced after sustaining an injury against Young Boys on matchday one.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel