Star player ruled out of AFCON 2025 for Nigeria due to injury

A star player of the Super Eagles of Nigeria has been ruled out of the AFCON 2025 tournament due to injury.

High flying Super Eagles of Nigeria have been dealt a setback ahead of the AFCON 2025 knockout stages after forward Cyriel Dessers was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a thigh injury.

The Panathinaikos striker has left the team’s camp in Morocco and returned to Greece, where he will begin an intensive rehabilitation program under his club’s medical staff.

The injury, sustained during a training session, proved more serious than initially anticipated, and medical assessments confirmed that his recovery period would extend beyond the tournament’s final on January 18, 2026.

Dessers’ early exit is particularly frustrating, as the 31-year-old did not feature during the group stages despite being considered an important option in head coach Eric Chelle’s attacking plans.

His absence further complicates Nigeria’s preparations as the team manages multiple fitness concerns ahead of their Round of 16 encounter with Mozambique.

Defender Ryan Alebiosu is still recovering from a deep leg laceration, midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi missed a recent training session due to a severe cold, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali continues to manage minor knee and ankle issues, although he is expected to remain available.

Even with these challenges, Nigeria retain significant attacking depth. The Super Eagles topped Group C with a perfect nine points, driven by strong performances from Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Raphael Onyedika, who scored twice in the final group match against Uganda.

As they chase a fourth continental title, the squad remains confident and well-positioned despite the loss of Dessers’ physical presence.

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