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| Wilfred Ndidi |
Nigeria’s Super Eagles face a major blow ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi-final against Morocco, as captain Wilfred Ndidi sits out due to suspension.
The dynamic midfielder picked up two yellow cards in the knockout stages, earning an automatic one-match ban. The first came in the round-of-16 triumph over Mozambique, and the second during Saturday’s gripping quarter-final victory against Algeria.
Ndidi was booked in the 67th minute against Algeria for time-wasting, just two minutes before a hamstring injury forced him off in the 69th, sustained from a rough challenge outside the box. While the injury’s full extent is unknown, his suspension seals his absence.
The Besiktas star has been Nigeria’s midfield anchor, delivering rock-solid defense and vital leadership all tournament. His void could shake the team’s balance, prompting coach Eric Chelle to possibly turn to Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika as a potential stand-in.
Recall that Everton’s Frank Onyeka and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey were also on the brink of suspension but avoided further bookings in the quarter-final.
The Super Eagles face Morocco’s Atlas Lions in the semi-final on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with a spot in the final on the line.
AFCON rules wipe the slate clean on yellow cards after the semis, clearing Ndidi and any other cautioned players for the final if Nigeria advances.
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