Super Eagles Debutant Suffers Serious Injury in Uganda Win; Dessers Also Doubtful.

Ryan Alebiosu injury AFCON 2025

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered a major injury blow at AFCON 2025, with debutant defender Ryan Alebiosu ruled out for the rest of the tournament after sustaining a deep cut on his right leg.

The 24-year-old London-born right-back, on loan at Blackburn Rovers from Arsenal, impressed on his senior international debut in Nigeria’s 3-1 Group C victory over Uganda on December 30 in Fez – playing the full 90 minutes despite the injury.

Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed the setback post-match: “Debutant Ryan Alebiosu sustained a deep cut on his right leg… he is doubtful for the remainder of the tournament.” Reports indicate Alebiosu was taken to hospital for treatment on the nasty wound.

Ryan Alebiosu

Victor Osimhen praised his resilience: “He kept playing despite the pain.”

Adding to concerns, unused striker Cyriel Dessers is nursing a thigh problem and scheduled for a scan on December 31 to assess severity.

Despite the blows, Nigeria topped Group C with a perfect nine points and now face Mozambique in the Round of 16 on January 5. Coach Eric Chelle has depth at right-back (e.g., Bright Osayi-Samuel), but Alebiosu’s absence ends a promising debut campaign prematurely.

Speedy recovery, Ryan – tough break for the Super Eagles newcomer!