Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen stood out as one of three high-profile absences during Nigeria’s intensive New Year’s Day training session in Morocco. The national team has officially turned its focus toward the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, with a high-stakes encounter against Mozambique scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026.
While head coach Éric Chelle conducted Thursday’s tactical drills behind closed doors to maintain squad focus, the absence of his primary striker alongside teammates Ryan Alebiosu and Cyriel Dessers sparked immediate interest from the traveling media.
The technical crew confirmed that both Alebiosu and Dessers continue to battle physical setbacks that likely rule them out of the upcoming knockout clash at the Fez Stadium. Alebiosu, who impressed on his debut against Uganda, is recovering from a severe laceration on his leg, while Dessers remains under medical observation following a thigh injury sustained earlier in the week. However, the coaching staff clarified that Osimhen’s absence does not stem from a new injury. Instead, Chelle has opted to implement a specialized load management program for the 27-year-old forward to ensure he reaches peak physical condition for the elimination rounds.
Despite the missing trio, the rest of the Super Eagles squad maintained a high tempo during the session as they look to build on their perfect group-stage record. Nigeria entered the new year as the only team in the tournament to have secured nine points from their opening three matches. Chelle intends to utilize the remaining days before the Mozambique fixture to fine-tune a defensive unit that has yet to record a clean sheet, despite the team’s prolific scoring record.
The Super Eagles’ medical department expects to provide a final update on the squad’s fitness by Saturday evening. While the potential loss of Alebiosu and Dessers thins the team’s depth, the anticipated return of a refreshed Osimhen to the starting eleven provides a significant psychological boost. Nigeria remains the heavy favorite to progress to the quarter-finals, but the technical team refuses to underestimate a Mozambique side that has already proven its resilience in Group F.
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