Super Eagles stiker Cyriel Dessers was on target for his Scottish team Rangers as they fell 2-1 to arch-rivals Celtic at Pride Park in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
Even though Dessers will be happy with his goal, he won’t be happy with his team’s loss in the Old Firm derby which has effectively handed the title to Celtic.
Three points behind Celtic before the game, Rangers needed the win to close the gap between them and the leaders but they failed to do that.
Celtic took a giant leap towards securing their third consecutive Scottish Premiership title with a convincing win over arch-rivals Rangers at Pride Park on Saturday.
Celtic dominated the first half, and missed a few chances to take the lead but with ten minutes to half-time, they found the breakthrough.
The deadlock was broken in the 35th minute by Matt O'Riley.
The midfielder unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the area that dipped wickedly, beating the Rangers goalkeeper at his near post.
Celtic doubled their lead just three minutes later through an unfortunate own goal.
Rangers defender John Lundstram attempted to cut out a dangerous Daizen Maeda cross but ended up turning the ball into his own net.
The Gers responded swiftly, pulling a goal back two minutes after conceding the second.
Cyriel Dessers scores for Rangers
Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers, who has been a revelation for Rangers this season, rose highest to head home from close range, giving his side a glimmer of hope.
However, their fightback was short-lived as Lundstram received a straight red card for a reckless studs-up challenge on Alistair Johnston just before half-time, leaving Rangers a man down for the remainder of the match.
Celtic capitalized on their numerical advantage in the second half, controlling possession and creating numerous chances.
A penalty shout in the 55th minute went their way after a challenge on O'Riley in the box.
After a lengthy VAR check, the initial decision to give the penalty stood.
However, Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland produced a magnificent save to deny the midfielder from the penalty spot, keeping his team in the contest.
Despite Butland's heroics, Celtic proved too strong on the day. The home team continued to press for more goals, but the scoreline remained 2-1 at the final whistle.
This victory extends Celtic's lead at the top of the table to a significant six points with just two games remaining in the season.
Rangers' title hopes now appear slim, as they face an uphill battle to overcome such a deficit in the remaining fixtures.
With two games to go and a goal difference of seven between the two teams, it will take something of epic proportions for Celtic to fail to win the title.
Dessers, who scored for Nigeria against Ghana in the last international window has had a good season for the Scottish side.
In the SPFL, the former Cremonense striker has scored 14 goals in 31 games with four assists.
The 29 year-old also has 21 goals in 51 matches with 8 assists across all competitions.
Can Dessers transfer form to Super Eagles?
Dessers will hope his form will earn him a call up to the Super Eagles selection when Finidi George announces his maiden team as the FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume next month.
The Super Eagles will face South Africa in Uyo on June 7 and then fly out to Abidjan to face Benin Republic four days later.
Nigeria started the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers with two draws against Lesotho and Zimbawbwe, and will surely need some of Dessers' goals to propel them up the table.
The Super Eagles are currently in third place on the Group C table with two points from two games. Rwanda currently top the group with four points.
