Nigeria striker Cyriel Dessers is set to be sidelined for up to 12 weeks after sustaining a thigh injury at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Dessers picked up the injury during a training session with the Super Eagles and has since returned to his Greek club, Panathinaikos, to continue his recovery.
The 31-year-old forward did not make any appearance for Nigeria at the tournament.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle confirmed the extent of the injury while giving a fitness update ahead of Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against Mozambique.
“Cyriel (Dessers) is out for maybe 10–12 weeks,” Chelle disclosed.
“I am disappointed for him, so we have to play for him tomorrow (against Mozambique).”
The former Rangers striker’s absence is a blow to the Super Eagles squad, although Nigeria have impressed so far in the competition.
Chelle also provided an update on defender Ryan Alebiosu, who has also been nursing an injury.
“Ryan will come back maybe in a few days because this injury was big too, but he is fine,” Chelle added.
“He is better every day, so I think today he will start to run. We will see, day after day.”
Nigeria will be hoping for a swift recovery for both players as they continue their quest for a fourth AFCON title.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
