AFCON 2025: Ndidi out, Osayi-Samuel doubtful as Chelle faces tactical puzzle against Morocco
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During the match, Osayi-Samuel limped off in stoppage time, and Igoh Ogbu came on as a replacement. The injury forced Chelle to adjust his plans, as Osimhen had been expected to be substituted.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are heading into the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final against Morocco with strong momentum, but questions remain about the team’s fitness and squad depth.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss the match due to suspension after receiving a second yellow card in the last game against Algeria.
Apart from his suspension, Ndidi is also injured and still recovering.
Right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel is also doubtful after sustaining an injury late in that same game. Their absences could affect Nigeria’s chances of reaching the final.
Ndidi was booked in the 67th minute for time-wasting, ruling him out of Wednesday’s clash in Rabat.
Coach Eric Chelle is expected to replace him with Raphael Onyedika, who has already filled in when Ndidi suffered a minor knock.
Other players at risk of suspension, Frank Onyeka and Calvin Bassey, avoided further bookings.
Nigeria looked strong in the quarter-final in Marrakech, winning 2-0 over Algeria.
Victor Osimhen scored early in the second half from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, marking his fourth goal of the tournament. Ten minutes later, Osimhen assisted Akor Adams for Nigeria’s second goal, set up by Alex Iwobi.
During the match, Osayi-Samuel limped off in stoppage time, and Igoh Ogbu came on as a replacement. The injury forced Chelle to adjust his plans, as Osimhen had been expected to be substituted.
As Nigeria prepares for a tough semi-final, missing Ndidi and potentially Osayi-Samuel adds to the challenge of reaching the final.
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