Coach Eric Chelle and Wilfred Ndidi of Nigeria during the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON press conference. Copyright: xxIMAGO
Nigeria outclassed, outplayed and outfoxed Algeria in their quarter-final clash on Saturday to set up a semifinal date against another North African giant
Nigeria will face hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final without captain Wilfred Ndidi after the midfielder was suspended for accumulating two yellow cards in the knockout rounds, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles skipper was booked in the round-of-16 win over Mozambique and then cautioned again during the quarter-final victory over Algeria, triggering an automatic one-match ban under tournament rules.
It is a significant loss for head coach Eric Chelle, with Ndidi having been one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers, anchoring midfield and protecting the back line throughout the competition.
While goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and winger Moses Simon also went into the referee’s book against Algeria, only Ndidi’s second caution carries a suspension, meaning the rest of the squad remains available for selection.
Chelle is expected to turn to Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika to fill the gap, a move designed to keep the team’s balance and defensive structure intact against a Morocco side that has looked increasingly confident on home soil.
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Victor Osimhen to lead as Nigeria face biggest test yet
Ndidi’s absence will also bring a change in leadership. Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s vice-captain and one of the tournament’s standout figures, is set to wear the armband for the first time at Afcon 2025. The striker has been central to Nigeria’s unbeaten run and now takes on added responsibility in what promises to be a high-pressure occasion in Rabat.
There was better news for Chelle on the fitness and discipline front. Frank Onyeka and Calvin Bassey avoided further bookings in the quarter-final and remain available, while only one fitness concern lingers: right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, who was forced off in stoppage time against Algeria, will be assessed before final selections are made.
The semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is shaping up to be Nigeria’s toughest assignment so far. With a key midfielder missing and a new captain leading the team out, the Super Eagles will be relying on their resilience, organisation and Osimhen’s cutting edge to take them one step closer to the Afcon 2025 final.