JUST IN: CYRIEL DESSERS SENT HOME! NIGERIA’S STRIKER CRISIS EXPLODES JUST BEFORE THE KNOCKOUT STAGE

Cyriel Dessers ruled out of AFCON 2025 as injury crisis hits Nigeria. See the latest on Alebiosu & Nnadi ahead of Mozambique clash.

Just In: Cyriel Dessers sent home! Nigeria’s striker crisis explodes just before the knockout stage
Cyriel Dessers ruled out of AFCON 2025 as injury crisis hits Nigeria. See the latest on Alebiosu & Nnadi ahead of Mozambique clash.

Nigeria just took a big hit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Cyriel Dessers is out for the rest of the tournament with a thigh injury, so that’s one less weapon for the Super Eagles.

Dessers, who plays for Panathinaikos, had been struggling with his thigh for a while and missed all three group games—Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. They sent him for a scan, and the news wasn’t good. He’s heading back to Greece to recover and won’t play any part in Nigeria’s chase for their fourth continental crown.

A Super Eagles official said that losing Dessers is a tough blow. “He left the team’s hotel a few hours ago, and it’s a big blow for us because we all know what he brings to the group,” the official said. You could hear the disappointment. Everyone knew Dessers had his heart set on this tournament.

Still, the mood in the camp hasn’t wavered much. The official insisted the squad is locked in, ready to face whatever comes next. “We’re confident the other players are ready to step up and fill the gap. This team has options, and we’re all focused on Mozambique.” They’re not letting this derail the mission. They want Dessers back healthy as soon as possible.

Things aren’t much clearer in defence either. Blackburn Rovers’ Alebiosu is a serious doubt for the Mozambique game. He missed Friday’s training after picking up a nasty cut to his leg during that 3–1 win over Uganda, where he played the whole match in place of Bright Osayi-Samuel. They had to take him to the hospital, and now nobody’s sure if he’ll be fit in time.

And there’s more. Tochukwu Nnadi also sat out training, sidelined by a cold. The Zulte Waregem midfielder came on for the last 14 minutes against Uganda, but now he’s questionable as well.

Next up, Nigeria faces Mozambique on January 5 at Fez Stadium. Make it through, and they’ll square off against either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarterfinals. Lots of questions, but the team’s eyes are still on the prize.

EXCLUSIVE: AJAX AND SCHALKE LAUNCH BIDS FOR OUT-OF-CONTRACT RANGERS MIDFIELDER BAILEY RICE NOW

Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice is a top target for Ajax and Schalke. Get the latest on his contract status and potential summer exit.

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Rangers Prospect Bailey Rice Faces Major Career Crossroads This Summer - Photo Credit: SNS

Ajax and Schalke are chasing Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice, with both clubs working to seal a deal for the 19-year-old, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Rangers just wrapped up a training camp in Spain, gearing up for a crucial five-game stretch to go for the league title after the split earlier this month. Their run-in starts with Motherwell at home on Sunday, then a massive trip to face league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle next weekend.

After that comes the season’s final Old Firm showdown against Celtic at Parkhead on May 10, before closing out with Hibernian and Falkirk, who are the lowest-ranked teams in the split, having finished fifth and sixth.

This summer looks set for big changes at Rangers, and Rice is right at the centre of it. Romano reported on X that both Ajax and Schalke want to sign Rice as a free agent. The young Scottish midfielder is out of contract this summer. Talks over a new deal with Rangers haven’t worked out, so he’s weighing up his next move. Schalke reportedly already made him a personal offer, and Premier League side Aston Villa had also been linked with him earlier this year.

Rice has barely featured for Rangers this season after suffering a serious training injury that needed surgery; he’s only played a handful of minutes.

As for the rest of the squad, Rangers look set for another overhaul. After a busy transfer window last summer and more signings in January, things don’t seem to be slowing down. Manager Rohl has made do with what he has, but the club’s owners, the 49ers, are ready to back a ‘major recruitment drive’ this summer. Their aim? Knock Celtic off the top and keep Hearts from breaking up the Old Firm grip on Scottish football.

Nobody knows just how many players could come in yet, but it’s clear the owners are serious about shaking things up at Ibrox.

CARLO ANCELOTTI ISSUES TWO-MONTH WORLD CUP ULTIMATUM TO SANTOS STAR NEYMAR

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Neymar has two months to prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup. Read the full Selecao update.

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Neymar remains Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches - Courtesy Picture

Everyone’s talking about Neymar again as the 2026 World Cup edges closer. It’s the same old debate: does he still have a spot with Brazil? But this time there’s real hope on the table. Carlo Ancelotti’s left the door open for Neymar to make the cut. Even though Neymar hasn’t made the latest squads, he’s obviously still on the minds of the Selecao coaches.

Here’s the situation: Neymar's been battling injuries since he tore his ACL. He missed the season’s first 10 games after knee surgery last December. He got back on the field, but fitness issues and a suspension meant he still watched from the sidelines quite a bit. Still, Ancelotti isn’t ruling him out. In an interview with L’Equipe, Ancelotti emphasised Neymar’s reputation but also made something very clear: if Neymar wants the World Cup, he needs to earn it.

Talent isn't a question; nobody doubts Neymar’s skill. What matters for Ancelotti is being fit. No exceptions, no matter how big the star. “Neymar can come back. I’ve said it before, and it’s simple: only physically ready players get called up,” Ancelotti said flat-out. “His recovery from the knee injury is going well; he’s scoring again. He just needs to keep pushing and get fitter. He’s headed in the right direction.”

With 79 goals in 128 matches, Neymar has shaped Brazil’s football history. Ancelotti gets that fans want to see Neymar try one more time for the one trophy he’s never won. “Neymar belongs to Brazil’s football story. He’s hugely talented, so obviously people hope he’ll help us win the next World Cup. Right now, he’s under assessment not just by the CBF but by me, too. He’s got two months left to show he has what it takes for the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.

Neymar’s chance to prove himself is coming fast, with big matches for Santos ahead. He’s expected to start this Saturday when they face Atlético-MG at Vila Belmiro. If Neymar stays healthy and sharp, that final World Cup dream is still alive.

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