Dessers was the inaugural top scorer of the UEFA Conference League, having scored 10 goals for Feyenoord during the 2021–22 season.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Greek club Panathinaikos have applauded Cyriel Dessers following his match-winning strike against CSKA Sofia in Tuesday’s UEFA Conference League third qualifying round tie.
The Nigerian international came off the bench to score the decisive goal as Panathinaikos defeated their hosts 2-1 in the second leg.
Dessers, who was introduced five minutes after the hour mark, netted the winner in the fifth minute of the first half of extra time.
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The feat helped the Greek giants book a place in the play-off round with a 3-2 aggregate victory, after both teams had battled to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Reacting to the Super Eagles forward’s goal, Panathinaikos posted a short message on their X account, stating: “Back like he never left.”
The 31-year-old last featured for the Greens in December 2025 during a Greek Super League clash against Volos.
Dessers sustained an injury while on international duty with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
