I don't have to answer people - Nigeria's Cyriel Dessers demands more recognition after 94th-minute heroics

Cyriel Dessers scored his first goal of the season against Kyiv || Imago

I don't have to answer people - Nigeria's Cyriel Dessers demands more recognition after 94th-minute heroics

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:35 - 08.08.2024

Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers was the hero as Rangers kept their Champions League hopes alive against Dynamo Kyiv.

In the heat of the Champions League qualifier, Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers demanded more respect and recognition after stepping up to the plate for Scottish giants Rangers, snatching a late draw against Dynamo Kyiv.

Dessers, who has faced doubts from a section of the Rangers faithful despite a fantastic debut season at Ibrox, where he scored 22 goals and provided 7 assists, has now broken his silence, addressing the criticism he has faced.

Dessers sends key message to Rangers fans

Speaking to BBC Scotland, the Super Eagles star revealed his unwavering belief as a striker that led to the goal.

"As a striker you have to believe. Even if it is an impossible ball or you don't think it will fall. I knew it was the last ball into the box in the game, and that was the case. I was happy to be on the end of it."

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers greeting the fans after his heroics for Rangers.
Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers greeting the fans after his heroics for Rangers. (Photo: Rangers/X)

Having been maligned by a portion of the Rangers supporters despite his impressive numbers for the Gers, Dessers remains focused on his duties to the team, the manager, and himself but wants more recogntion.

"I don't have to answer people, I'm just doing my job for the team, for the manager, and for myself. That's the only thing that matters."

Cyriel Dessers tackled by Man United new boy Leny Yoro
Cyriel Dessers tackled by Man United new boy Leny Yoro (Photo Credit: Imago)

"It would be nice to get more recognition for what you do, but I get the recognition inside the building and that's most important thing.”

The Nigerian international recognises that "there are always reactions from the media" and a "small part" of the support, but he feels "a lot of love" from a "bigger part" of the fanbase.

Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers celebrate together.
Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers celebrate together. (Photo: Rangers/X)

Dessers' late heroics have kept Rangers' Champions League hopes alive, and the striker will be hoping to continue his impressive form to silence his critics and earn the recognition he believes he deserves when Kyiv visit Ibrox next week for the second leg.

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