Nigeria have been handed a major setback at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Cyriel Dessers was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with a thigh injury, Afrosport reports.
The 31-year-old had been struggling with the problem and failed to feature in any of the Super Eagles’ group-stage matches against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
A scan later confirmed that he would be unable to recover in time to continue at the tournament as Nigeria push forward in their search for a fourth AFCON title.
An official statement confirmed that the Panathinaikos forward has returned to Greece to continue his rehabilitation with his club, bringing his campaign in North Africa to an early end.
Get well soon, Cyriel 🫶🏾. pic.twitter.com/kgD7w1yQWy
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 2, 2026
The Super Eagles are also sweating on the fitness of defender Benjamin Alebiosu, who missed Friday’s training after sustaining a cut to his leg during the win over Uganda.
The Blackburn full back made his debut in Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Uganda in their final group game. He played the full 90 minutes against the Cranes but his availability for their knockout tie against Mozambique remains uncertain.
Zulte Waregem midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi is another doubt after sitting out training due to illness. He earned his first appearances at the tournament against Uganda, after coming on for the final 14 minutes of the game.
Eric Chelle’s side face Mozambique on January 5 in Fez, with a quarter-final meeting against either Algeria or DR Congo awaiting the winners.
