Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has delivered a significant injury update on his squad, confirming the tournament-ending exit of striker Cyriel Dessers from the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations while holding out hope for defender Ryan Alebiosu's swift return.
Dessers' Tournament Ends, Alebiosu's Race Against Time
The Nigerian camp has been dealt a double blow with injuries to two key players. Cyriel Dessers has been forced to withdraw completely from the AFCON due to a serious thigh injury. The Panathinaikos forward has already departed the team's base in Morocco to return to his club for rehabilitation.
In a separate incident, defender Ryan Alebiosu suffered a deep cut to his right leg during his official cap-tying appearance for Nigeria against Uganda. This injury has ruled him out of the imminent Round of 16 clash, but his situation offers a glimmer of hope for the later stages of the tournament.
Chelle's Press Conference Revelation
Addressing the media in a pre-match press conference, Coach Eric Chelle provided detailed timelines for both players. The Malian tactician expressed his disappointment over losing Dessers, revealing the severity of the striker's condition.
"I heard some news this morning about Cyriel. He has a big injury, maybe about ten or twelve weeks," Chelle stated, indicating a lengthy recovery period that definitively ends Dessers' AFCON campaign. He added pragmatically, "I am disappointed in him, but we have to look in front of us. But for him, we have to play a game tomorrow."
Optimism Surrounds Alebiosu's Recovery
In contrast to Dessers' situation, the news on Ryan Alebiosu is more positive. While the defender is currently sidelined, he remains with the squad in Morocco undergoing intensive rehabilitation.
Chelle expressed optimism about his potential return, saying, "Ryan will come back maybe in a few days because this injury was big too, but he is fine." He provided a promising update on Alebiosu's progress: "He is better every day, so I think today he will start to run. We would see, day after day."
This day-by-day assessment suggests Alebiosu could be available for selection if the Super Eagles progress beyond the next round, offering a crucial defensive boost for the latter stages of the championship.
