Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign has suffered a major setback with striker Cyriel Dessers sidelined for an extended period due to injury.
The Belgium-born forward missed Nigeria’s final group game against Uganda after being left out of the matchday squad by head coach Eric Chelle. He has since returned to Panathinaikos for further assessment, ruling him out of the tournament.
Dessers, who joined Panathinaikos from Rangers for €4.63m, has struggled with injuries this season. After scoring twice in his first three games, an ankle injury kept him out for 16 matches. He returned to action in December but managed just 139 minutes before AFCON 2025.
Coach Chelle confirmed the severity of the setback, saying:
“Dessers spoke with me this morning… he will be out for maybe 10 to 12 weeks. I’m disappointed for him… we have to play a great game tomorrow.”
Nigeria will face Mozambique on Monday night at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in the last 16, with the Super Eagles aiming to maintain their unbeaten run and secure a quarterfinal spot. Chelle and his team will now have to adjust their plans in Dessers’ absence as the knockout stages intensify.
