Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has revealed that he is yet to invite Cyriel Dessers because he has not watched him live.
Dessers has been one of Nigeria's players in Europe this season. The 27-year-old, who is currently on loan at Feyenoord at Genk, has scored 11 goals and recorded two assists in 27 games for The Club on the Meuse this campaign.
But despite his brilliant displays for his club, Dessers has not really been able to force his way into the Super Eagles squad.
Although he has one cap for the three-time African Champions, it was a substitute appearance in 2020.
The former Utrecht striker was not included in the AFCON squad despite the absence of Victor Osimhen and Emmanuel Dennis, while he is also not in the team to face Ghana this month.
It was a decision that left many fans baffled, but Eguavoen has now defended his decision.
"You are talking about Cyriel Dessers, where is he playing?" Eguavoen said on Elegbete TV.
"So am I going to take the train from here to Holland? The answer is no.
"So the time has to be right.
"When I say I haven't watched the player, I'm talking about watching them live," Eguavoen added.
Dessers could get his chance when the next international break comes around in June.