Bremen, Germany – October 11, 2025 – Nigerian international and Werder Bremen left-back Felix Agu has successfully undergone surgery to address a severe syndesmosis ligament injury, the club confirmed on Friday, dealing a significant blow to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The 26-year-old defender sustained the high ankle sprain during Werder Bremen’s 1-0 Bundesliga victory over St. Pauli last weekend, forcing him off the pitch in the first half. Initial assessments revealed the extent of the damage, leading to the decision for surgical intervention on Wednesday. Werder Bremen shared a post-operative photo of a smiling Agu from his hospital bed, captioning it with optimism for his recovery while acknowledging the extended timeline ahead.
Recovery from a syndesmosis ligament injury typically spans 3-6 months, meaning Agu is set to miss not only Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic but also the entirety of AFCON 2025, which kicks off on December 18. He has already withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad for the qualifiers, adding to the team’s mounting injury concerns.
“Felix underwent successful surgery yesterday. We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery,” Werder Bremen posted on their official channels. Coach Ole Werner echoed the sentiment, noting Agu’s importance to the squad: “He’s a fighter, and we’re confident he’ll come back stronger. For now, our focus is on supporting him through rehab.”
Agu, who joined Werder Bremen from Gent in 2024, has been a rising star for both club and country. The versatile defender made his Super Eagles debut in the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica, where Nigeria clinched victory on penalties. His absence leaves a void at left-back, with Bruno Onyemaechi and Ola Aina—himself nursing a separate injury—as potential replacements. Aina’s status for AFCON remains uncertain, further testing coach José Peseiro’s defensive options as Nigeria aims for a fourth continental title.
Nigerian football fans have rallied around Agu on social media, with many expressing heartbreak over the timing. “Heartbreaking for Felix and the Super Eagles. Prayers up for a full recovery,” one supporter tweeted. The injury underscores the physical toll of the demanding schedule, coming just weeks before the high-stakes tournament.
Agu is expected to begin rehabilitation at Werder Bremen’s facilities immediately, with no firm return date set. As the Super Eagles regroup for World Cup qualifying, his journey back to the pitch will be one watched closely by a nation hungry for success in Morocco.