Ex-Nigerian international who was a forward himself has called for more playing time for Rangers' attacker, Cyriel Dessers who starred in the just ended Unity Cup for Nigeria where he scored and assisted in the games against Ghana and Jamaica respectively.

Utaka's comments came after Dessers protested about being continually overlooked for official games despite being part of the Super Eagles team for half a decade; since making his international debut for the West African powerhouse, the Rangers attacker has only been invited and featured in only friendly games.

"It hurts sometimes, you feel disappointed," Dessers asserted. "I have been in and around the squad for five years now and I haven't played in any official game yet, only friendly games, so I must say that hurts."

Utaka, who represented Nigeria from 2001-2012 and capped 49 times for the Super Eagles backed the Rangers forward for more playing opportunities. He made statements on BRILA FM. "I think they should give him [Dessers] a chance," Utaka, who is currently a youth coach at Montpellier HSC said.

"He is a good  finisher. He shows quality, composure, and maturity. It is high time they give him his chance and let him show what he is capable of doing."

Despite his performances in recent years for club and country, Cyriel was excluded from Nigeria's squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and has not featured in any of the six (6)  FIFA World Cup qualifying games the Super Eagles have honoured.

Dessers completed an impressive campaign with Scottish top club, Glasgow Rangers, netting a whopping 29 goals with six assists to add up. He pulled off such incredible figures across all competitions for his side in the ended season.