Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers says he is determined to return stronger after an injury disrupted what promised to be an exciting first season with Greek giants Panathinaikos.
The 31-year-old forward suffered the injury while representing Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in January, forcing him to undergo surgery and miss the rest of the campaign. The setback brought an abrupt end to his debut season in Greece after making only a handful of league appearances.
With pre-season preparations now underway, Dessers has returned to training and is focused on regaining full fitness before the start of the 2026/27 season. The former Rangers striker is hopeful of featuring in Panathinaikos’ UEFA qualifying matches before the Greek Super League kicks off in mid-August.
“I am working extremely hard to be in top shape this season. Giving it my all, scoring goals, winning matches, and lifting trophies,” Dessers told BN DeStem.
“I expect to be in top shape by the start of the league in mid-August. Hopefully, I’ll get some minutes in the European qualifiers before that.”
Dessers arrived at Panathinaikos from Scottish Premiership side Rangers last summer with high expectations. However, injuries limited his impact, restricting him to just five league appearances, during which he scored twice and provided one assist.
Despite the frustrating campaign, the Nigerian international remains grateful for the support he has received from the club and its supporters. He admitted that watching from the sidelines was one of the toughest moments of his career and is now eager to repay the faith shown in him
“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.”
“Especially because the club paid a nice transfer fee for me, I just want to give something back to them. For the fans too, of course. I received so much love from them and it feels difficult that you can’t give that back.”
Panathinaikos will hope a fully fit Dessers can add firepower to their attack as they chase domestic success and a place in the group stage of European competition next season.
The Super Eagles striker will also be keen to return to Nigeria’s squad once he rediscovers his rhythm, with a busy international calendar on the horizon.
