AFCON 2025: Captain Ndidi to overlook Nigeria’s semi-final conflict towards Morocco

Tremendous Eagles captain and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been dominated out of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match towards Morocco resulting from suspension.

Ndidi accrued two yellow playing cards through the knockout phases, triggering an automated one-match ban.

The suspension stems from bookings acquired in Nigeria’s round-of-16 victory over Mozambique and the quarter-final win towards Algeria on Saturday.

In the course of the Algeria match, Ndidi was cautioned within the 67th minute for time-wasting.

He was later substituted within the 69th minute after sustaining a hamstring damage from a problem outdoors the penalty space.

Whereas the damage’s severity stays unclear, the yellow card accumulation ensures his absence regardless.

The Besiktas participant has been key in Nigeria’s midfield, offering defensive stability and management all through the event.

His absence leaves a void, and coach Eric Chelle might undertake Membership Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika as his alternative.

Everton’s Frank Onyeka and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey have been additionally on the point of suspension however averted additional bookings within the quarter-final.

The semi-final conflict towards Morocco’s Atlas Lions is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with Nigeria aiming to advance to the ultimate.

Underneath AFCON guidelines, all yellow playing cards are reset after the semi-finals, that means Ndidi, and every other cautioned gamers, can be eligible for the ultimate ought to the Tremendous Eagles progress.