Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has been confirmed as ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations following a thigh injury that has prematurely ended his involvement in the tournament in Morocco.
The 31-year-old Panathinaikos forward, who had not featured in any match at AFCON 2025, was undergoing medical assessment after being sidelined during training. Reports indicate that the thigh problem was serious enough to rule him out of Nigeria’s knockout campaign, leading to his return to club duty for further treatment and recovery.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle previously acknowledged Dessers’ fitness issue alongside other squad concerns, telling media that the forward was struggling with a thigh problem that required a scan. “Dessers is also carrying a problem and is considered unlikely to feature,” the coach said in a pre-match update, underlining the severity of the setback. 
The confirmation of Dessers’ absence comes as Nigeria prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash against Mozambique, a fixture scheduled for Monday in Fez. Despite the loss of attacking options, the Super Eagles remain focused on progressing through the knockout phase.
A statement from the team’s Media Officer highlighted that the decision to release Dessers from the squad was taken with the player’s long-term fitness and welfare as a priority, and that rehabilitation plans have now shifted to his Greek club environment.
Dessers’ absence will be felt among fans and analysts alike, as many had expected the forward to offer additional depth in the Super Eagles’ attacking lineup at a crucial stage of the competition.
