Cyriel Dessers Weds in Italy After Withdrawing from Nigeria Duty
Rangers FC striker Cyriel Dessers recently tied the knot in a private ceremony in Italy, just days after pulling out of Nigeria’s squad for upcoming international friendlies. The 29-year-old forward, who has been a regular in the Super Eagles’ set-up in recent months, cited personal reasons for his absence — now revealed to be his wedding.
Dessers, who had been named in Nigeria’s squad for their friendly fixtures this June, opted to withdraw ahead of the matches. At the time, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his withdrawal without disclosing further details, sparking speculation among fans and media. However, it has since come to light that the striker was preparing for his wedding.
The ceremony took place in Italy, with family and close friends in attendance. Though Dessers has yet to make an official public statement about the marriage, several photos from the occasion surfaced online, showing the striker and his bride beaming with joy. The couple appeared to celebrate in a picturesque setting, surrounded by scenic landscapes and a warm Mediterranean atmosphere.
Dessers’ decision to miss the friendlies has drawn mixed reactions from fans. Some have expressed disappointment over his absence during international duty, while others have offered congratulations and well-wishes for his new chapter in life. Given that the friendlies were non-competitive matches, the NFF is understood to have granted him permission to be excused from the squad.
The striker, who joined Rangers from Cremonese in the summer of 2023, has had a solid season in the Scottish Premiership. He finished the campaign with double-digit goals and played a pivotal role in Rangers’ domestic campaign and European outings. His form had made him a likely starter for Nigeria’s friendlies, which are seen as preparation for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and World Cup qualifiers later in the year.
With the wedding now behind him, Dessers is expected to return to pre-season training with Rangers in July, ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. Both his club and national team fans will be hoping he returns focused and ready to continue building on his performances.
As Dessers begins this new personal journey, attention will soon return to his role on the pitch, where he remains a key figure for both Rangers and Nigeria going forward.