The Super Eagles of Nigeria have suffered an injury setback ahead of the knockout rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with striker Cyriel Dessers ruled out of the tournament due to a thigh problem.
The forward picked up the injury during training and will play no further part in the Super Eagles’ campaign in Morocco.
Team media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed on Friday that Dessers has returned to his club in Greece for treatment, ending his hopes of featuring at the tournament.
Dessers, formerly of Rangers, is yet to make an appearance for the Super Eagles at the ongoing AFCON.
His absence further reduces Nigeria’s attacking options as the competition enters its decisive stage.
There were also concerns elsewhere in the squad during Friday’s session. Right-back Ryan Alebiosu was present but did not take part as he continues to recover from the leg injury he sustained against Uganda earlier in the week.
Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who plays for Zulte Waregem in Belgium, was also absent from training after falling ill.
Despite the disruptions, head coach Eric Chelle is keen to keep the squad grounded following a successful group stage. The focus has now shifted firmly to the Round of 16, where Nigeria face Mozambique’s Mambas in Fès at 8 p.m. on Monday, January 5.
“25 players trained on Friday evening. Ryan Alebiosu was at the team’s session but did not participate. His recovery from a leg injury is in progress. A thigh injury has ruled Cyriel Dessers out of the team. He has now returned to his club. Tochukwu Nnadi sat out of training. He is down with a cold. Eric Chelle has told the players to put the group stage successes behind them and refocus for the knockout phase,” Efoghe said.
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