Head coach Eric Chelle has delivered a significant injury update concerning two key Super Eagles players, casting a shadow over Nigeria's perfect start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Double Injury Blow After Uganda Victory
The news emerged following Nigeria's convincing 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday, which sealed a flawless Group C campaign. The Super Eagles had previously defeated Tanzania 2-1 and Tunisia 3-1. Despite making eight changes to his starting lineup for the final group match, Chelle's rotated side delivered a strong performance.
However, the triumph was marred by injuries to two players. Ryan Alebiosu, making his AFCON debut, and striker Cyriel Dessers are now major doubts for the remainder of the tournament.
Ryan Alebiosu's Gruesome Leg Injury
Blackburn Rovers right-back Ryan Alebiosu, who started in place of Bright Osayi-Samuel, played the full 90 minutes against Uganda but sustained a severe injury. Coach Chelle confirmed the defender suffered a deep cut on his leg.
"It’s difficult to play. This is his first game in Africa, in AFCON, I am happy with what he did, but I’m a little worried because he has an injury," Chelle stated in a post-match interview. "When they [Uganda] scored the goal, he had a big... I don’t know the word in English, but he went to the hospital. It’s open. His leg is open."
The nature of the injury suggests Alebiosu is unlikely to feature again in the tournament, a bitter end to his maiden senior championship appearance for Nigeria.
Cyriel Dessers' Thigh Problem Rules Him Out
In a separate development, Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers is also set to miss the knockout stages. The forward, who is yet to play a single minute at AFCON 2025, was a surprising omission from the matchday squad against Uganda.
It has now been revealed that Dessers was left out due to a thigh problem picked up in training. The injury requires a scan, effectively ruling him out of contention. His absence meant Victor Osimhen, who arguably needed rest, played until the 87th minute of the Uganda clash.
Silver Linings for the Super Eagles
Despite the injury concerns, there is positive news elsewhere in the squad. Players who had knocks in the previous game against Tunisia – Ademola Lookman, Frank Onyeka, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali – were all rested and are available.
Furthermore, the team navigated the group stage without accumulating suspensions. Key players like Semi Ajayi, Victor Osimhen, Lookman, and Nwabali all avoided yellow cards, giving Chelle a full roster of options aside from the two injury casualties.
Reacting to the overall group stage performance, Chelle praised his players, admitting the fringe players' displays have given him a positive selection headache heading into the round of 16.
The Super Eagles now await their knockout stage opponent, hoping their squad depth can overcome these significant injury setbacks as they chase a fourth AFCON title.
