AFCON: Nigeria coach Chelle bemoans absence of Ndidi for Morocco test

Nigeria national team head coach Eric Chelle has expressed his disappointment over the absence of Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, who will miss the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match against Morocco due to two yellow cards he received in the previous two matches.

Ndidi picked up his second yellow card as Nigeria battled to defeat Cameroon 2-0 and qualify for the last four. The Beşiktaş midfielder will thus miss the clash against the Atlas Lions for accumulated cards.

His first yellow card came in the Round of 16 fixture against Mozambique which the Super Eagles won 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

Ndidi does a lot for Nigeria team

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the crucial match, Chelle said Ndidi’s absence is a blow to the team, stressing the great contribution he makes on and off the field.

“I am sad to see Ndidi miss tomorrow’s (Wednesday) match. He does a lot for the team,” said Chelle.

“But this is football, and now it is an opportunity for other players to show their abilities. We will see what they can bring to us in the match against Morocco.”

The coach noted that despite the challenge, his team is ready to fight Morocco, believing that the players present will take the responsibility seriously and work hard to get Nigeria to the final.

“Algeria was a big test, Morocco is a big test, every match for us is a big test. We are prepared to win. We rested and now I will check my players’ physical readiness for this game,” he said.

The semifinal match between Nigeria and Morocco is expected to be played tomorrow at 5:00 pm, being one of the most eagerly awaited matches, with each team seeking a chance to enter the final of the tournament.

The Atlas Lions will host the Super Eagles at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with the final spot at stake. So far, Morocco, and Nigeria remain unbeaten in the 2025 edition. While Nigeria have won five matches, Morocco have recorded four wins and a draw.

Morocco reached the last four after defeating Cameroon 2-0 at the same venue, while Nigeria saw off Algeria 2-0 at Stade de Marrakech.

This will be the sixth time Morocco and Nigeria are meeting in AFCON, the first meeting in 22 years, and the second in an AFCON semi-final.