Nigeria's Super Eagles camp has been dealt a major injury blow as Panathinaikos forward Cyriel Dessers has been ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco due to a thigh injury he sustained during training.
The development comes just days before Nigeria's round of 16 clash against Mozambique on Monday, January 5 in Fes.
Super Eagles media officer Promise Ifoghe confirmed the injury in a statement on Friday, revealing that the 31-year-old attacker is back at his club in Greece.
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“Cyriel Dessers has been out of the team due to a thigh injury. He has now returned to his club,” Ifoghe said.
Ifoghe also revealed that only 25 players attended training on Thursday as preparations for the knockout tie intensified. Ryan Alebiosu and Tochukwu Nnadi were absent from the session.
Alebiosu is still recovering from a groin injury sustained during his Super Eagles debut against Tanzania, while Nnadi missed training due to illness.
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“Twenty-five players trained on Friday evening. Ryan Alebiosu was at the team session but did not take part as he continues to recover from a foot injury. Tochukwu Nnadi also missed training due to a cold,” Ifoghe said.
He further revealed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chele has urged the team to put their group-stage performance behind them and focus solely on the knockout stage of the tournament.
Nigeria will take on Mozambique in their round of 16 clash on Monday, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00pm FEST.
