'Top 3 Super Eagles striker' - Nigerian legend boldly defends Eagles star Cyriel Dessers after heavy criticism

Nigerian Beach Soccer legend Abu Azeez has boldly defended Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers amid heavy criticism following Nigeria’s recent 1-1 draw with South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Dessers, who stepped in to replace the injured Victor Osimhen, faced harsh scrutiny from NFF media after the match at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday.

Critics from NFF media claimed the former Rangers striker was too slow, failed to win aerial duels, and contributed little offensively during the game.

His performance was further questioned after he was substituted off in the qualifier against Rwanda, which led to more doubts over his effectiveness as a forward for the national team.

The qualifier against South Africa started at a frenetic pace, with the hosts pressing aggressively from the wings, putting Nigeria’s defense under intense pressure.

The Super Eagles suffered setbacks early in the match, and Dessers struggled to make the desired impact, according to the NFF and some analysts.

But former NPFL star Azeez offered a strong defence of Dessers’s quality and potential, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the forward, arguing that he currently ranks among Nigeria’s top three strikers based on natural goalscoring instinct.

“See ehn, the Super Eagles has at least 10 number 9s doing well with their respective clubs BUT based on strikers instinct ehn… Cyriel Dessers dey top 3,” he stated.

Azeez’s comments highlight the belief that Dessers possesses an innate goalscoring ability that sometimes goes unnoticed amid criticism of his physical and tactical contributions.

The 30-year-old recently signed for a Greek giant, aiming to revive his club and international career, after scoring 52 goals in the last two seasons for Scottish giants Rangers.

With Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread after their draw in Bloemfontein, the ongoing debate over who should lead the line for the Super Eagles continues.

Abu Azeez’s bold defense of Dessers adds an important voice supporting the forward’s place among Nigeria’s elite strikers.