Nigeria have suffered a blow as they prepare to face Morocco in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after it was confirmed captain Wilfred Ndidi will not be available to face the host nation due to suspension.
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.
The suspension stems from bookings received in Nigeria’s round-of-16 victory over Mozambique and the quarter-final win against Algeria on Saturday.
During the Algeria match, Ndidi was cautioned in the 67th minute for time-wasting.
He was later substituted in the 69th minute after sustaining a hamstring injury from a challenge outside the penalty area.
While the injury’s severity remains unclear, the yellow card accumulation ensures his absence regardless.
A statement from NFF read in part; “Captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss the game against Morocco after accumulating two yellow cards in the knockouts.”
Should Nigeria get past Morocco, he will be available to return for the final. Nigeria are scheduled to face the hosts in the semifinals at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, on Wednesday.
The Besiktas player has been key in Nigeria’s midfield, providing defensive stability and leadership throughout the tournament.
His absence leaves a void, and coach Eric Chelle may adopt Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika as his replacement.
Everton’s Frank Onyeka and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey were also on the brink of suspension but avoided further bookings in the quarter-final.
Under AFCON rules, all yellow cards are reset after the semi-finals, meaning Ndidi, and any other cautioned players, would be eligible for the final should the Super Eagles progress.
