Super Eagles: Cyriel Dessers returns to club, two players sit out as 25 train for Mozambique

Victor Osimhen of Nigeria celebrates goal with teammates during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Tunisia at the Complex Sportif de Fes in Fes, Morocco on 27 December 2025 ©Mehrez Toujani/BackpagePix

Super Eagles of Nigeria continued preparations for their Round of 16 clash against Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Media Officer of the Super Eagles, Promise Efoghe, revealed to journalists that 25 players took part in Friday evening’s training session.

Nigeria sealed qualification for the knockout phase after a flawless Group C campaign, winning all three matches against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

With the group stage now behind them, head coach Eric Chelle has shifted focus fully to the decisive last-16 encounter scheduled for Monday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

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Soccer Injury updates from Super Eagles camp

The latest camp update confirmed that Ryan Alebiosu was present at training but did not participate as he continues his recovery from a leg injury sustained during his AFCON debut against Uganda.

The Blackburn Rovers defender remains under close medical supervision.

Panathinaikos FC striker Cyriel Dessers has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a thigh injury and has since returned to his club.

Meanwhile, West Ham United target Tochukwu Nnadi was absent from full training due to illness, with the midfielder sidelined by a cold.

Soccer Eric Chelle urges focus ahead of knockout test

Despite Nigeria’s impressive group-stage performances, Chelle has urged his players to reset mentally as the tournament enters its most critical phase. The Super Eagles coach has made it clear that past results count for little once the knockout rounds begin.

Nigeria will face Mozambique in the Round of 16, a fixture that marks the sixth senior meeting between the two sides. While the Super Eagles boast a strong head-to-head record, Chelle has emphasised the need for total concentration as his team looks to maintain momentum and push for a place in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2025.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.

Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin