Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, has strongly indicated his preferred choice to fill the significant void left by suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi, as the Super Eagles gear up for their high-stakes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against hosts Morocco in Rabat.
Training Session Offers Crucial Clues
With the pivotal match scheduled for Wednesday, Chelle utilized Nigeria's final training session, which lasted over an hour, to experiment with various midfield combinations. The session was intensely focused on finding the right tactical balance to neutralize the threat posed by the Moroccan team.
The central dilemma for Chelle was replacing Wilfred Ndidi, who has been a standout performer and a vocal leader throughout the tournament. Ndidi earned a suspension after receiving his second yellow card of the competition during the quarter-final victory over Algeria, having been previously booked in the last-16 match against Mozambique.
Dele-Bashiru Emerges as Frontrunner
During the rigorous training, Chelle tested multiple players in the defensive midfield role vacated by Ndidi. Initial setups involving Ademola Lookman were quickly adjusted. Both Tochukwu Nnadi and Raphael Onyedika were given brief runs in the position.
However, it was Fisayo Dele-Bashiru who appeared to make the strongest impression on the coaching staff. Dele-Bashiru spent the longest period operating in the role, demonstrating the necessary energy, composure, and tactical discipline within a midfield diamond setup. Barring any last-minute changes, all evidence from the session points to Dele-Bashiru being the chosen replacement for the crucial encounter.
Chelle Confident in Squad Depth
Speaking after the Algeria game, Coach Chelle expressed his disappointment at losing his captain but remained steadfast in his belief in the team's collective strength. "Ndidi brings so much to the team, and of course I am disappointed for him," Chelle admitted. "But we are a group. Every player is waiting for the opportunity to show something for the team. I am very confident."
Chelle views Ndidi's absence not just as a loss, but as an opportunity for another player to rise to the occasion on the continental stage. Nigeria, seeking a fourth AFCON title after previous wins in 1980, 1994, and 2013, must now overcome the host nation in a packed Rabat stadium to advance to the final.
Morocco Also Hit by Absence
In a related development that could slightly tilt the balance, Morocco has confirmed they will be without midfielder Azzedine Ounahi for the semifinal. Head coach Walid Regragui stated that Ounahi is still recovering from injury and remains unavailable, providing a minor boost for the Nigerian camp ahead of the monumental clash.
