Nigeria to Miss Captain Wilfred Ndidi in AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Against Hosts Morocco
Nigeria will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi for their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco after the Leicester City midfielder picked up a suspension in the quarter-final against Algeria.
Ndidi received a yellow card during Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over the Desert Foxes on Saturday, marking his second booking of the tournament. The 29-year-old had previously been cautioned in the Super Eagles’ 4–0 round-of-16 triumph over Mozambique, leaving him on a disciplinary tightrope alongside Calvin Bassey and Frank Onyeka. Ndidi, however, was the only one to be booked again in the quarter-final, triggering the automatic one-match ban.
The suspension rules him out of the crucial semi-final, though he will be available for the final if Nigeria progresses, or for the third-place playoff if they fall to Morocco.
Adding to Nigeria’s worries, Ndidi suffered a hamstring injury late in the Algeria game. He went down after a challenge near Nigeria’s penalty area and was substituted in the 69th minute for Raphael Onyedika. The full extent of the injury has not yet been confirmed, but the suspension alone ensures he will miss the semi-final.
Ndidi has been a cornerstone for coach Eric Chelle’s squad, providing stability, leadership, and defensive control in midfield. He also opened his AFCON 2025 account with a goal in Nigeria’s thrilling 3–2 group-stage win over Tunisia.
With their captain sidelined, the Super Eagles face the daunting challenge of confronting Morocco without their midfield anchor, as they aim for a fourth AFCON title.
Can Nigeria overcome the Atlas Lions without Ndidi? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
