Cyriel Dessers is back in the Nigeria squad and in the process becomes the fifth active Rangers star to pull on the green of the Super Eagles.
Whilst the hitman’s form in the blue of Rangers has been – shall we say – mixed, Cyriel is back in the Nigeria set up for the first time since 2022.
One of five players who were originally called up for international duty, Cyriel Dessers could become the fifth Rangers player who has played for Nigeria over the years.
In fact, the 29-year-old could be the fourth Super Eagle to spread his wings from Ibrox in the last few seasons alone.
Here’s the five Rangers stars who have represented Nigeria over the years with the Gers having something of an affinity with footballers from the West African country.
Five Rangers stars who played for Nigeria
Cyriel Dessers
The Nigerian nightmare himself is yet to play for the country whilst donning the colours of Rangers, but Cyriel Dessers has been called up for a reason.
Scoring 16 goals in his first season at Ibrox to date, it might be regarded as a solid return for anyone just coming into a new club. But it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Cyriel Dessers has blown occasionally hot and consistently cold since coming into Rangers and let’s hope a recall to the Nigeria set up sharpens the big man’s aim.
- Cyriel Dessers has four caps for Nigeria, with his only strike coming against in Mexico in May 2022.
- Faces stiff competition from the likes of Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Umar Sadiq, and Kelechi Iheanacho.
- Will hope to make his first cap since September 2022 in friendlies against Ghana (H) and Mali (A).
Sone Aluko
Rangers’ first-ever Super Eagle, Sone Aluko is a cult figure at Ibrox for his contribution in a short but memorable stint with the club.
Signing after a protracted compensation issue in 2011, the winger netted 12 goals in 23 matches for Rangers, including a worldie to help prevent Celtic lifting the title at Ibrox.
Born in England, Sone Aluko qualifies for Nigeria through his ancestry and was first called up to the nation during his time at Ibrox.
- Sone Aluko made seven appearances for Nigeria between 2009 and 2015, scoring two goals.
- First called up for Nigeria during his time at Rangers in March 2012, earning his first cap in June.
- Now 35, Sone Aluko is still playing football with Ipswich Town.
Joe Aribo
The samba stylings of Joe Aribo might not be lost in Brazil let alone Nigeria but there was a moment back a few years ago that the playmaker looked to be on the verge of greatness.
Earning his breakthrough with the Super Eagles whilst at Rangers, the Nigeria support almost bought into the hype as much the Ibrox fans.
Since leaving Ibrox in the summer of 2022, things haven’t exactly gone to plan with Southampton, but Joe Aribo represents a special player to Rangers fans for that almighty contribution in Seville.
- Joe Aribo has now earned an impressive 23 Nigeria caps, scoring twice for the country since making his debut in 2019.
- Moved to Southampton for £10m but the club suffered relegation and has found himself in and out the side, recently scoring a last minute winner.
- Remains a Nigeria mainstay and came off the bench in the AFCON Final defeat to Ivory Coast.
Leon Balogun
Like Cyriel Dessers, Leon Balogun is currently an active Rangers player but, unlike his Nigeria counterpart, he’s not been called up to the Super Eagles squad.
In fact, you have to go back to the summer of 2022 for when the now 35-year-old was last called up for the country, just a month after initially leaving Rangers.
Perhaps his time turning out for Nigeria is beyond the German-born defender but Leon Balogun has proven an experienced head across his time in Africa and Glasgow.
- Leon Balogun has been capped 46 times for Nigeria, scoring his only goal against the Central African Republic in 2021.
- Out of contract at Rangers in the summer and re-signing for the club under Michael Beale last year, having left to QPR for a season.
- Signed for Rangers following the expiration of his contract from an injury-plagued stint at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Calvin Bassey
Our man Calvin Bassey is perhaps the name on this list who has reached the highest level, being a regular with Premier League Fulham.
Having also turned out for AFC Ajax – who struck a £23m deal with Rangers to sign the centre-back in 2022 – it’s been a whirlwind few years for the defender.
But Rangers will always be a home for Calvin Bassey, who emerged from the youth set-up at Leicester City to become a mainstay for Nigeria at Ibrox.
- Calvin Bassey has 23 caps for Nigeria, with one of them the AFCON Final defeat to Ivory Coast.
- Was born in Italy.
- Recently scored his first Premier League goal in a famous Fulham win at Old Trafford.
