Nigeria will face hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final without captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended for accumulating two yellow cards in the knockout rounds, Afrosport reports.
Ndidi received bookings against Mozambique in the round of 16 and Algeria in the quarter-finals, triggering an automatic one-match ban.
The former Leicester City man’s absence is a significant loss for head coach Eric Chelle, as he has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers, anchoring midfield and protecting the back line.
While goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and winger Moses Simon also received cards against Algeria, only Ndidi’s second caution carries a suspension, leaving the rest of the squad available.
Chelle is expected to replace Ndidi with Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika to maintain the team’s balance and defensive structure against a confident Moroccan side.
Vice-captain Victor Osimhen, a standout figure in the tournament, will wear the armband for the first time at AFCON 2025 tournament. This added responsibility comes as Nigeria’s unbeaten run faces its toughest test.
The semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the capital city of Rabat is shaping up to be Nigeria’s most challenging match yet.
Hello Final Four🤚🏽 pic.twitter.com/EmRs6G30PY
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 10, 2026
With a key midfielder missing and a new captain, the Super Eagles will rely on resilience, organisation, and Osimhen’s cutting edge to reach the Afcon 2025 final.
