Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has been ruled out of AFCON 2025 with a thigh injury and has returned to his club, ahead of Nigeria’s Round of 16 tie against Mozambique.
Dessers, 31, called up for his first major tournament with Nigeria, has earned 11 caps and scored four goals since his debut in 2020.
Despite the loss, coach Eric Chelle is keeping the squad focused on the knockout phase.
Cyril Dessers. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Nigeria topped Group C with three wins, scoring a tournament-high eight goals, and now face Mozambique on Monday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Today’s training session in Morocco featured 25 players. Blackburn Rovers full-back Ryan Alebiosu was present but did not participate, continuing his recovery from a leg injury sustained in Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Uganda.
Scans have confirmed the injury is minor; Alebiosu is expected to miss only a couple of weeks and remains part of the squad.
Ryan Alebiosu. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi also missed training due to a cold. Chelle restricted media access on Thursday and today to allow uninterrupted preparation, with controlled access resuming over the weekend.
Alebiosu impressed in his debut, completing 90 minutes against Uganda.
“This is his first game in Africa, in AFCON, and I’m happy with how he played,” Chelle said.
Eric Chelle in training with the Super Eagles. Photo Credit: Imago
Blackburn Rovers manager Valerien Ismael added: “Ryan has a cut, but it’s nothing major. He played the full match with no problem.”
Nigeria now turn their focus fully to Mozambique, aiming to maintain momentum and secure a quarter-final spot
