Major Blow for Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON 2025
The Nigerian national football team has received devastating news just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco. Defender Benjamin Fredrick has been ruled out of the competition after sustaining a serious injury during training.
Injury Timeline and Replacement Plans
The unfortunate incident occurred when Fredrick returned from World Cup playoff duties. The Brentford loanee picked up the injury that medical reports indicate will keep him sidelined for approximately 12 weeks, completely overlapping with the AFCON tournament schedule.
Head coach Eric Chelle has already begun making provisions for Fredrick's replacement in the final squad. The tactician had previously submitted a provisional list to the Nigeria Football Federation after being summoned to Abuja by senior officials. The final 23-man squad must be confirmed by December 10, as mandated by the Confederation of African Football.
Tournament Expectations and Group Stage
Nigeria enters the tournament with high expectations, having finished as runners-up in the previous edition after losing 2-1 to host nation Ivory Coast in the final. The Super Eagles are determined to claim their fourth continental title this time around.
The team finds itself in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their tournament campaign begins against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on December 23, followed by a crucial match against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia just four days later. The final group stage encounter will see them face the Cranes of Uganda on December 30.
Silver Lining: Dessers Returns to Training
Amid the disappointing news about Fredrick, there's positive development regarding striker Cyriel Dessers. The Panathinaikos forward has rejoined his club teammates in training after recovering from a sprain that kept him out of action for nearly two months.
Dessers has shown promising form since his summer transfer from Rangers FC, scoring two goals in four appearances for his new club. His return to fitness provides Coach Chelle with additional attacking options as Nigeria prepares for the continental showdown.
The Super Eagles camp remains focused on their ultimate objective of winning the AFCON title, despite the setback of losing a key defender at such a critical moment in their preparations.
