Nigeria’s football federation received confirmation from African governing body CAF that team captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco due to suspension, a blow offset by the clearance of other key players in the unbeaten Super Eagles squad.
Ndidi, a Leicester City midfielder, accumulated yellow cards in the knockout wins over Mozambique and Algeria, triggering a one-match ban under tournament rules that reset bookings after the quarter-finals but carry over within the knockout phase.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle acknowledged the loss, telling reporters: “Wilf brings so much to the team, not happy we won’t have him, but there are many players that can deliver, and I am confident in them.”
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, however, avoids suspension despite his second yellow of the tournament against Algeria, as his prior booking from the group stage win over Tunisia did not carry forward.
No Nigerian player risks missing a potential final if the team advances, with forward Victor Osimhen set to don the captain’s armband in Ndidi’s absence and midfielder Raphael Onyedika likely to step in.
The Super Eagles, chasing a fourth AFCON crown in the 2025 edition, face Morocco at 9:00 pm local time (20:00 GMT) at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where the hosts boast a perfect record and home support.
