Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has named Dutch clubs NAC Breda and Feyenoord as the two teams that mean the most to him, admitting he still follows both closely despite continuing his career abroad.
The Nigerian forward enjoyed some of the finest moments of his career in the Netherlands. He was sensational at NAC Breda, where he scored 29 goals and provided 13 assists in 40 appearances before earning a move elsewhere.
Dessers later returned to Dutch football on loan at Feyenoord during the 2021/22 campaign. He scored 20 goals and added four assists in 41 matches, helping the Rotterdam club reach the UEFA Europa Conference League final while establishing himself as one of the competition’s standout performers.
Although he has since played in Belgium, Italy, Scotland and now Greece, the 31-year-old says his bond with both Dutch clubs remains as strong as ever.
Speaking to BN DeStem via VoetbalPrimeur, Dessers said:.
“It is of course no secret anymore: NAC and Feyenoord are truly two clubs that I have lost my heart to.”
“I still follow those clubs very closely, and conversely, people still approach me about my time in Breda. That is very nice, and let’s hope they return to the Eredivisie soon.”
Away from his fond memories in the Netherlands, Dessers is determined to put a frustrating campaign behind him after injuries disrupted his first season with Greek giants Panathinaikos.
The Super Eagles striker admitted the repeated fitness setbacks came as a surprise, having enjoyed a career largely free from long-term injuries before his move to Greece.
“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,” he revealed.
“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.“
Despite the disappointing debut season, Dessers is optimistic about what lies ahead. The former Rangers striker believes he will be fully fit before the start of the 2026/27 Greek Super League campaign and is hoping to feature in Panathinaikos’ European qualifiers.
“I am working extremely hard to be in top shape this season. Giving it my all, scoring goals, winning matches, and lifting trophies.”
“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.”
A return to full fitness would be a timely boost for both Panathinaikos and Dessers, who will be eager to repay the faith shown in him by the club while rediscovering the goalscoring form that has defined much of his career. With a new season on the horizon, the Nigerian international has the chance to leave last year’s injury frustrations behind and make a significant impact in Greece.
