Nigeria’s Super Eagles camp has suffered a major injury setback after Panathinaikos forward Cyriel Dessers was ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco due to a thigh injury sustained in training.

The development comes just days before Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against Mozambique, scheduled for Monday, January 5, in Fes.

Super Eagles media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed the injury in a statement on Friday, revealing that the 31-year-old attacker has returned to his club side in Greece.

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“A thigh injury has ruled Cyriel Dessers out of the team. He has now returned to his club,” Efoghe said.

Efoghe also disclosed that only 25 players participated in training on Thursday as preparations intensified for the knockout fixture. Ryan Alebiosu and Tochukwu Nnadi were absent from the session.

Alebiosu is still recovering from a deep cut injury sustained on 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 participate, as his recovery from a leg injury is ongoing. Tochukwu Nnadi also sat out of training due to a cold,” Efoghe added.

He further revealed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has urged the squad to put their group-stage performances behind them and refocus fully on the knockout phase of the tournament.

Nigeria will take on Mozambique in their Round of 16 encounter on Monday, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. in Fes.