Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 showdown against Mozambique.
Just 25 players participated in Friday evening’s training session as preparations continued for Monday’s knockout fixture. Defender Ryan Alebiosu was in attendance but trained separately, as he is still recovering from a leg injury.
The major setback for the team is the loss of Cyriel Dessers. The striker has been ruled out of the tournament after picking up a thigh injury and has returned to his club to continue treatment.
“Cyriel Dessers has sustained a thigh injury and has been ruled out of the AFCON tournament. He has returned to his club to recover, Super Eagles media team wrote on X.
Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi also missed full training due to illness.
Team officials disclosed that he is currently down with a cold and remains under medical observation.
Nigeria, who finished top of Group C with maximum points, will take on Mozambique on Monday as they chase a fourth AFCON crown.
