The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been dealt a significant double blow ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations semifinal clash against Morocco on Wednesday. Team captain Wilfred Ndidi is definitively ruled out through suspension, while key defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is a major doubt after picking up a late injury in the quarterfinal victory.
Suspension and Scare Mar Quarterfinal Triumph
Nigeria secured their place in the last four with a commanding 2-0 win over Algeria in Marrakech on Saturday, their fifth consecutive victory in the tournament. Striker Victor Osimhen was instrumental, scoring his fourth goal of AFCON 2025 early in the second half before setting up Akor Adams for the second.
However, the triumph came at a cost. Ndidi received a yellow card in the 67th minute for time-wasting, which was his second of the competition and triggers an automatic one-match suspension. To compound matters, in stoppage time, right-back Osayi-Samuel was forced to limp off, disrupting Coach Eric Chelle's substitution plans and casting a shadow over his availability.
Coach Chelle's Selection Headache
The absence of the experienced Ndidi in midfield is a huge setback for the Nigerian side as they prepare for the intense challenge of facing the host nation, Morocco, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Ndidi's leadership and defensive solidity in the middle of the park will be sorely missed.
Coach Eric Chelle is now tasked with reshuffling his pack. Raphael Onyedika is the expected direct replacement for Ndidi, having already been introduced against Algeria when the captain initially picked up a knock. The potential loss of Osayi-Samuel would further test the squad's depth, with Igoh Ogbu, who came on for him, likely to start if the Fenerbahçe defender fails to recover.
Road to the Final Hinges on Squad Depth
While the Super Eagles ride a wave of momentum, these late disruptions pose serious questions about the team's resilience and depth at the business end of the tournament. The semifinal against Morocco was already anticipated to be Nigeria's toughest test, and navigating it without two key starters makes the task even more daunting.
There was a minor relief as other players on a yellow card, Frank Onyeka and Calvin Bassey, avoided further cautions against Algeria and are available for selection. All focus now turns to Rabat, where Nigeria's dream of reaching the AFCON 2025 final will face its sternest examination yet, with the team's ability to adapt to these absences likely to be decisive.
