AFCON 2025: Injury Blow as Alebiosu Faces Possible Early Exit for Super eagles

Nigeria may be forced to continue the remainder of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) without defender Ryan Alebiosu following an injury sustained during the Super Eagles’ 3–1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday.

Alebiosu, who is featuring in a major international tournament for the first time, suffered a deep cut to his right leg in the first half of the encounter against the Cranes. The match, played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, marked the 22-year-old’s senior debut for the Super Eagles.

Despite the injury, the right-back completed the full duration of the game, showing resilience in what could prove to be a costly outing for both player and country. Medical assessments are ongoing, with concerns growing that the injury could sideline him for the rest of the tournament.

Nigeria is also monitoring the fitness of forward Cyriel Dessers, who is battling a thigh problem. Dessers is expected to undergo a scan on Wednesday, with the outcome likely to determine his availability for the remaining AFCON fixtures.

The potential loss of both players would represent a setback for the Super Eagles as they progress into the crucial knockout stages of the competition.