Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has received significant positive news ahead of next month's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, with key striker Cyriel Dessers making his return from injury.
Dessers' Road to Recovery
The Nigerian international has resumed light training with Greek club Panathinaikos ahead of their domestic league clash against Panserraikos scheduled for Sunday, November 23. Dessers had been sidelined with a sprain injury since January, causing him to miss crucial matches for both club and country.
The 30-year-old forward missed Nigeria's crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic, as well as the playoff encounters against Gabon and DR Congo. His absence was particularly felt during Nigeria's 4-3 loss to DR Congo in the World Cup playoff final on November 13, which ended the Super Eagles' hopes of World Cup qualification.
AFCON 2025 Group Stage Challenges
Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions who finished as runners-up in the last edition against host nation Ivory Coast, face a challenging Group C that includes Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda according to beIN SPORTS.
The Super Eagles will begin their quest for a fourth continental title against Tanzania's Taifa Stars on December 23, before facing Tunisia's Carthage Eagles four days later. Their final group stage match will be against Uganda's Crane on December 30, as reported by ESPN.
Dessers' Impact and Provisional Squad
Since joining Panathinaikos from Rangers FC during the summer transfer window, Dessers has scored two goals in four appearances for the Greek giants. His international record includes three goals in seven appearances for Nigeria, with two of those coming against arch-rivals Ghana.
Currently, the striker is training alongside teammate Kotsiras, participating in select drills as he continues his recovery process. His return comes at a crucial time for coach Chelle, who has reportedly submitted his provisional squad to the Nigeria Football Federation ahead of the tournament starting December 21.
While Chelle's provisional list remains confidential, sources indicate that most players who participated in the World Cup play-offs are included. New faces like Fredrick Benjamin, Akor Adams, and Tolu Arokodare are expected to get opportunities to make their continental debut, while Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke is anticipated to return following his impressive performances during the playoffs.
The Confederation of African Football has already named 94 match officials for the tournament, including 33 referees, 36 assistant referees, and 11 Video Assistant Referees, though notably absent are any Nigerian match officials from the selection.
