Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered a setback ahead of the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as striker Cyriel Dessers has been ruled out due to a thigh injury.

The forward picked up the injury during training and will not participate further in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign in Morocco. Team media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that Dessers has returned to his club in Greece to undergo treatment, ending any chance of him featuring in the tournament.

Dessers’ absence limits Nigeria’s attacking options as the competition reaches the critical knockout stages. The former Rangers striker had not yet made an appearance for the Super Eagles in AFCON 2025.

Additional squad concerns emerged during Friday’s training session. Right-back Ryan Alebiosu was present but did not take part in drills as he continues recovering from a leg injury sustained in the group-stage match against Uganda. Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who plays for Zulte Waregem in Belgium, missed training due to illness.

Despite these challenges, head coach Eric Chelle is keeping the squad focused on the task ahead. Nigeria will now turn their attention to the Round of 16 clash against Mozambique’s Mambas, scheduled for 8 p.m. on Monday, January 5, in Fès.

“Twenty-five players trained on Friday evening. Ryan Alebiosu was present but did not take part as he recovers from his leg injury. A thigh injury has ruled Cyriel Dessers out, and he has returned to his club. Tochukwu Nnadi missed training due to a cold. Coach Eric Chelle has instructed the players to put the group stage successes behind them and focus fully on the knockout phase,” Efoghe stated.

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