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Nigeria will face hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final with a change in leadership and at least one enforced alteration in midfield, footynaija.com reports.
Wilfred Ndidi, a key part of the Super Eagles’ engine room throughout the tournament, is suspended after picking up his second booking of the knockout phase during the quarter-final victory over Algeria. The one-match ban rules him out of the Rabat showdown and leaves head coach Eric Chelle to rethink the balance of his side.
The armband, however, will stay in familiar hands. Victor Osimhen, already vice-captain and one of Nigeria’s standout performers at Afcon 2025, is set to lead the team out as captain for the first time in the competition. The striker has played a central role in Nigeria’s unbeaten run and will now carry added responsibility in a high-pressure tie against the tournament hosts.
In Ndidi’s absence, Raphael Onyedika is expected to step into midfield, with Chelle keen to preserve the team’s structure and control in the middle of the pitch. There is better news elsewhere: Frank Onyeka and Calvin Bassey came through the Algeria game without further disciplinary issues and remain available.
One late fitness question surrounds right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was forced off in stoppage time. His condition will be checked before final selections are made.
The semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium represents Nigeria’s biggest test so far. With a new captain on the pitch and a key midfielder missing, the Super Eagles will look to Osimhen’s leadership and goals to carry them one step closer to the Afcon 2025 final.
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