Super Eagles forward, Cyriel Dessers, has been ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after suffering a thigh injury that has now prevented him from making his debut at the tournament. 

Super Eagles media officer, Promise Efoghe, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, adding that the 31-year-old has subsequently returned to his club side, Panathinaikos, in Greece. 

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

He added that only 25 players took part in the team’s training on Thursday ahead of the round of 16 match against Mozambique on Monday as Ryan Alebiosu and Tochukwu Nnadi sat out of the session. 

Alebiosu is recovering from the ‘deep cut’ injury he suffered in his Super Eagles debut against Tanzania while Nnadi was down with a cold. 

“Twenty five players trained on Friday evening. Ryan Alebiosu was at the team’s session but did not participate. His recovery from a leg injury is in progress. Tochukwu Nnadi sat out of training. He is down with a cold,” Mr Efoghe stated. 

He added that head coach Eric Chelle “told the players to put the group stage successes behind and refocus for the knockout phase.”