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| Cyriel Dessers |
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have taken a hit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with striker Cyriel Dessers ruled out for good due to a nagging thigh injury.
The 31-year-old forward, who hasn’t played a single minute since the group stage began, will now leave the team’s Morocco base and return to his club, Panathinaikos in Greece, for rehab. Team officials confirmed the decision on Friday, January 2, 2026, after medical checks revealed he won’t recover in time for the knockout rounds.
Dessers’ departure trims Nigeria’s attacking depth just a bit, but the Super Eagles are riding high on recent momentum heading into the business end of the tournament.
Under head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria finished the group stage with a perfect nine points, defeating Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda to top Group C in convincing fashion.
Despite not playing a single minute, Dessers was part of the wider squad rotation plan as Chelle tested his depth across the three matches, Premium Times reports, adding that the coach has repeatedly stressed the importance of having a fully competitive squad rather than relying on a fixed starting eleven, a philosophy that paid off as several fringe players impressed during the group phase.
In Friday evening’s training session, 25 players reportedly took part as preparations began in earnest for the round of 16.
Defender Ryan Alebiosu was present at the session but did not participate fully, as he continues to recover from a leg injury sustained in the final Group game against Uganda.
Team officials, according to Premium Times, said his recovery is progressing well and he remains under close medical supervision.
Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi also sat out training after coming down with a cold. The issue is not believed to be serious, and he is expected to rejoin the group once cleared by the medical team.
With the group stage now firmly behind them, Chelle has urged his players to quickly refocus. According to team officials, the Franco-Malian tactician reminded the squad that performances in the opening round will count for little once the knockout matches begin, the report concluded
Nigeria’s strong showing so far has raised expectations back home, but Chelle has remained cautious, warning that the margins become finer as the tournament progresses.
As they continue their quest for a fourth AFCON title, the Super Eagles will be battling it out against Mozambique’s Mambas in the Round of 16 on Monday.
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