Injury Rules Dessers Out of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

The Nigerian national team has suffered a significant setback at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following confirmation that striker Cyriel Dessers will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a thigh injury.

The player, who plays for Greek club Panathinaikos, had already missed all of the team's group stage matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Dessers has since returned to his Greek club to begin his rehabilitation program.

A Nigerian national team official told "Flashscore": "He left the team hotel a few hours ago. This is a big blow for us because we all know what he brings to the group."

Dessers' injury is not the only concern, as doubts surround the participation of Blackburn Rovers defender Alibioso in Nigeria's upcoming match against Mozambique, scheduled for January 5th at the Fez Stadium, due to a leg wound. Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi also missed training due to a cold.