Just a week before the kickoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers marked his return to scoring form as Panathinaikos faced NFC Volos in a Greek Super League clash on Sunday evening.
The 31-year-old forward opened the scoring, helping Panathinaikos secure a 2-1 victory at the Stadio Apostolos Nikolaidis, Footballrover reports.
Cyriel Dessers shines on his long-awaited return
This was Dessers’ second goal in the Greek Super League this season, taking his tally to three goals in nine appearances.
Dessers had initially returned to action in Panathinaikos’ 3-2 defeat against AEK Athens at the same stadium.
Before that, the Nigerian international had been sidelined since September 25 due to an injury sustained during a Europa League match against Young Boys, keeping him out for two months.
It took Dessers just five minutes to put the hosts ahead. Seventeen minutes later, Anastasios Bakasetas doubled the lead from the spot after Dessers won the penalty.
Just before halftime, Maximiliano Comba pulled one back for Volos to make it 2-1, but Panathinaikos held on to claim all three points.
After two consecutive draws, Dessers and his teammates returned to winning ways.
Back in form ahead of AFCON 2025
The former Rangers star played 70 minutes before being substituted for Milos Pantovic.
His injury had ruled him out of the last four World Cup qualifiers for the Super Eagles, including the crucial playoffs against Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
His most recent appearance for Nigeria—his tenth cap—came in September against South Africa.
Having been out for two months, Dessers somehow, managed to secure a spot in Eric Chelle’s 28-man final squad for AFCON 2025 and will now compete for game time in the tournament.
His return to form at club level will be key as Nigeria prepares for Africa’s premier football competition.
Like this post?
We’d be delighted to hear from you. Please leave a comment in the box below!
Last Updated on December 14, 2025 10:20 pm by footballrover
Be the first to comment on "Cyriel Dessers answers AFCON 2025 call with decisive Super League goal after injury layoff"