AFCON 2021: Feyenoord star set to be called up as a potential replacement for Ighalo

The former Manchester United man could miss the biennial competition after his Saudi Arabian club failed to release him 

Feyenoord star Cyriel Dessers is set to be called up to the Super Eagles AFCON 2021 squad as a potential replacement for Odion Ighalo.

Ighalo is part of the 28-man squad, but the 32-year-old is yet to arrive at the Super Eagles camp at the time of writing this report.

It is believed that the ex-Watford attacker may not be able to represent Nigeria at the AFCON as his club Al-Shabab will not release him.

With that in mind, Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen put a contingency plan in place in the person of Eredivisie star Dessers.

Dessers was a surprise omission initially, having scored eight goals and recorded one assist in 20 games for Feyenoord this season.

The 27-year-old Belgian-born forward has one cap, which came over a year ago. However, with Ighalo now set to miss out, Dessers could get his chance.

Dessers will have to compete with the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi, Sadiq Umar and Henry Onyekuru for a place in the Super Eagles attack should he get invited.

The Super Eagles begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title with a clash against Egypt on January 11.