Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers has been put on standby for the African Cup of Nations after Nigeria lost Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface to injury.

The Ibrox star has received his fair share of criticism this season for his performances, but the 29-year-old has still managed to score nine goals, including a crucial one in Spain against Real Betis in the Europa League.

He was snubbed by Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro for the African Cup of Nations despite being named in the original preliminary squad.

However, Leverkusen striker Boniface has withdrawn from the squad with a groin tear which will keep him out for six weeks.

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Peseiro decided to call up Nice striker Terem Moffi as his replacement, but because his inclusion came after the official deadline, his club Nice are under no obligation to release their player and could refuse his release.

And reports in Africa have stated that Dessers is next in line to go to the tournament if Nice don't allow Moffi to go.

A Nigerian FA statement said: "Terem Moffi has been called as a replacement, but that is subject to his club allowing him to be released for Afcon."
Peseiro is already under pressure after a disastrous final warm-up game saw them lose 2-0 to Guinea