Super Eagles’ perfect group run marred by Alebiosu, Dessers injury concerns

By Victor Okoye

The Super Eagles are sweating over injuries to Ryan Alebiosu and Cyriel Dessers in spite a 3-1 win over Uganda that sealed a flawless Group C campaign at AFCON 2025.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match played at Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morrocco on Tuesday was a final Group C fixture.

Promise Efoghe, Super Eagles Media Officer, told NAN that debutant Alebiosu suffered a deep cut on his right leg, casting uncertainty over his availability for the rest of the tournament.

“Ryan picked up a deep cut on his right leg and the medical team is monitoring him closely,” Efoghe said. “We will assess his response before taking any final decision.”

Efoghe added that striker Cyriel Dessers has a thigh problem and is scheduled for a scan to determine the extent of the injury and possible recovery timeline.

“Dessers felt discomfort in his thigh and will undergo a scan tomorrow. We are hopeful, but we must wait for the medical report,” he said.

On the pitch, Raphael Onyedika struck twice in five minutes as Nigeria overpowered Uganda, maintaining control in spite wholesale changes by coach Eric Chelle.

Paul Onuachu opened scoring in the 28th minute after sustained pressure, with Nigeria dictating tempo through midfield dominance and compact defending.

Uganda’s resistance weakened after goalkeeper Salim Magoola was sent off early in the second half, forcing the Cranes to finish with 10 men.

Onyedika then took centre stage, scoring in the 62nd and 67th minutes to put the contest beyond reach with composure and precision.

Uganda pulled one back through Rogers Mato in the 75th minute, but Nigeria’s grip on the match never loosened.

The Super Eagles topped Group C with nine points, ahead of Tunisia, while Tanzania advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.

Nigeria will face the third-placed team from Group F in the round of 16, with Cameroon or Mozambique potential opponents.

(NAN)