Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has taken a major step in his recovery after returning to full training with Greek giants Panathinaikos FC, ending a frustrating six-month spell on the sidelines and raising hopes of a successful comeback ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Nigerian international has endured one of the most difficult periods of his professional career after a persistent thigh injury kept him out of action for much of last season, limiting his impact following his high-profile move from Rangers FC to the Greek Super League. However, with pre-season preparations now underway, Dessers is finally back on the training pitch and determined to make up for lost time.
Speaking about his recovery, the 31-year-old admitted that the past few months had tested him both physically and mentally.
“It has been difficult, a season with many injuries. For the first time in my career, actually, so I had to get used to that,” Dessers said in an interview with Dutch media.
His return comes as welcome news for Panathinaikos, who invested heavily in the experienced striker when they paid around €4.63 million to secure his services from Scottish side Rangers last summer. The move was expected to strengthen the club’s attack as they challenged for domestic honours and European qualification, but recurring injury problems prevented Dessers from establishing himself during his debut campaign in Greece.
Before his injury setback, Dessers had shown encouraging signs of adapting to life in Greek football. In his limited appearances, he demonstrated the movement, work rate and finishing ability that have defined his career, scoring important goals despite featuring in only a handful of matches.
Unfortunately, the injury interrupted that progress at a time when he appeared to be settling into his new surroundings.
His last competitive appearance came in December 2025 during Panathinaikos’ league victory over Volos, where he found the back of the net before joining the Super Eagles camp for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, what was expected to be another important international tournament quickly turned into heartbreak.
Dessers suffered a thigh injury after linking up with Nigeria’s national team and was forced to withdraw from the competition before making an appearance. He immediately returned to Greece to begin rehabilitation, with medical assessments later confirming that the injury would require an extended recovery period.
The setback ruled him out of 27 matches across all competitions, denying both Panathinaikos and the Super Eagles the services of one of their most experienced forwards.
Despite the disappointment, Dessers refused to allow the injury to dampen his determination.
Throughout his rehabilitation, he remained focused on regaining full fitness, working closely with the club’s medical and fitness staff to ensure he returned stronger.
Now back in full training, the striker says his objective is to reach peak condition before the start of the new Greek Super League season in August.
“I am working extremely hard to be in top shape this season. I want to give everything, score goals, win matches and help the club win trophies,” Dessers said. He also expressed hope of getting valuable playing time during Panathinaikos’ European qualifying fixtures before the domestic campaign begins.
His determination reflects the professional attitude that has characterised his career.
Born in Belgium to a Belgian father and a Nigerian mother, Dessers represented Belgium at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Nigeria in 2020.
Since making his Super Eagles debut, he has earned praise for his commitment whenever called upon, despite facing stiff competition for places in Nigeria’s attack.
Before arriving in Greece, Dessers built an impressive career across Europe.
He enjoyed productive spells with clubs including NAC Breda, Heracles Almelo, KRC Genk, Feyenoord Rotterdam, US Cremonese and Rangers, establishing himself as a striker capable of scoring consistently in different leagues.
One of the defining moments of his career came during the 2021/22 season when he finished as the top scorer in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League while playing for Feyenoord.
His goals helped the Dutch club reach the final of the competition and significantly raised his profile across European football.
He later moved to Rangers, where he scored crucial goals in domestic and European competitions before earning his transfer to Panathinaikos.
Known for his intelligent movement, aerial ability and relentless work rate, Dessers has built a reputation as a forward who never stops working for his team.
Although injuries disrupted his first season in Greece, Panathinaikos remain optimistic that a fully fit Dessers can become one of the club’s key attacking players under the new coaching setup.
The timing of his recovery is also encouraging for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who will be monitoring the striker’s progress ahead of upcoming international fixtures, including the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. A fit and in-form Dessers would provide Nigeria with another experienced attacking option alongside the country’s growing pool of talented forwards.
Football analysts believe the coming season could prove pivotal for the striker.
After spending months away from competitive action, Dessers now has the opportunity to begin afresh, regain his confidence and justify the faith shown in him by Panathinaikos.
For the player himself, the motivation is clear. He wants to repay the club and supporters who continued to stand by him throughout his rehabilitation.
“Especially because the club paid a good transfer fee for me, I want to give something back. The fans have shown me so much love, and it has been difficult not being able to repay that support on the pitch,” he said.
As Panathinaikos prepare for another demanding campaign in domestic and European competitions, Dessers’ return could provide the attacking boost the club has been missing.
For Nigerian football fans, his comeback is equally significant. With important international fixtures on the horizon, many will hope the experienced striker can rediscover the form that has made him one of the country’s most dependable forwards.
After six challenging months of rehabilitation, setbacks and uncertainty, Cyriel Dessers is finally back where he belongs—on the training pitch, preparing to do what he enjoys most: scoring goals and helping his team compete for honours.
