The Super Eagles head into their AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash with Algeria carrying strong momentum after an unbeaten run through the group stage and a commanding Round of 16 win over Mozambique, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s side have looked organised, confident and increasingly comfortable with the demands of knockout football.
However, as preparations continue in Marrakech, attention is also turning to discipline. Under CAF rules, any player who picked up a yellow card in the Round of 16 and is booked again in the quarter-final will be automatically suspended for the next match.
For Nigeria, that means three important players are now walking a tightrope. Here are the three Super Eagles stars currently on suspension watch.
1. Wilfred Ndidi
Nigeria’s captain and midfield anchor was shown a yellow card in the 38th minute of the Round of 16 clash against Mozambique for an elbowing foul.
Ndidi has been a standout performer at AFCON 2025, shielding the defence, disrupting opposition play, and dictating the game from deep.
2. Victor Osimhen
Osimhen was booked in Nigeria’s second group match against Tunisia after provoking the opposing coach following his goal celebration.
While it had no bearing on the final score, the incident highlighted how intense emotions can flare in knockout football. His passion fuels his threat in front of goal, but with bigger tests ahead, keeping composure will be just as crucial.
3. Frank Onyeka
Onyeka is the second midfielder facing suspension risk. The Brentford man was also cautioned in the win over Mozambique, where his aggressive pressing and ball-winning style once again came to the fore.
4. Calvin Bassey
The fourth name on the list is Calvin Bassey, who has grown into one of Nigeria’s defensive leaders at AFCON 2025. The Fulham defender was booked late in the group stage match against Uganda, in the 90+3 minute, after holding back Geny Catamo to stop a dangerous counter-attack.
Bassey’s decision was a classic defender’s foul, but it now places him one caution away from suspension. He has been a strong presence at the back, combining physical strength with improved positional awareness.
