Victor Osimhen to Captain Super Eagles Against Morocco as Wilfred Ndidi Misses AFCON 2025 Semi-Final

Nigeria will head into their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash against host nation Morocco with a change in leadership, following the suspension of Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi, Nigeria’s captain, is ruled out of Wednesday night’s encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat after picking up his second yellow card of the knockout stage during the quarter-final victory over Algeria.

The suspension hands a one-match ban to the midfielder, forcing head coach Eric Chelle to reshuffle both leadership and personnel.

In Ndidi’s absence, Super Eagles assistant captain Victor Osimhen will wear the armband and lead the team on the pitch.

The Galatasaray striker has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers at AFCON 2025, playing a pivotal role in the team’s unbeaten run to the last four with crucial goals, assists, and relentless leadership from the front.

Osimhen’s appointment as captain reflects his growing influence within the squad, as Nigeria look to sustain their momentum and book a place in the final.

From a tactical standpoint, Chelle is expected to draft in Raphael Onyedika as Ndidi’s replacement in midfield, a move aimed at preserving balance, energy, and defensive solidity in the center of the park.

Onyedika is likely to be supported by Frank Onyeka, who remains available after avoiding suspension in the quarter-finals.

There is also positive news for Nigeria, as Calvin Bassey escaped additional bookings and is fit for selection.

However, the fitness of right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel remains a concern after he limped off in stoppage time against Algeria.
A late assessment will determine his availability for the semi-final.

With the stakes high against a confident Moroccan side backed by home support, Osimhen’s leadership will be crucial in organizing the team, managing pressure, and driving belief within the squad.

As the Super Eagles chase a place in the AFCON 2025 final, they will lean on Osimhen’s experience, intensity, and example to overcome the hosts and keep their title dream alive.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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