Victor Osimhen will lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles against hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semifinal, stepping in for suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi.
The highly anticipated clash will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m., as both sides battle for a place in the final.
Wilfred Ndidi has been ruled out of the encounter after accumulating two yellow cards during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique and their quarterfinal win against Tunisia, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Osimhen, who serves as Nigeria’s vice-captain, is no stranger to leadership duties.
The Napoli striker previously captained the Super Eagles in their final group-stage match against Uganda and is expected to bring both experience and inspiration to the role.
Nigeria enter the semifinal in buoyant mood after a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarterfinals, a match in which Osimhen was instrumental, scoring a goal and providing an assist.
South Africa forward Zakhele Lepasa has tipped Nigeria as favourites to lift the title, insisting that none of the remaining teams possess the quality to contain Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Lepasa suggested that Nigeria, eager to restore pride after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are determined to reassert themselves as Africa’s dominant force.
He described the Super Eagles as the strongest side left in the competition, highlighting their 14 goals at the tournament and their attacking depth spearheaded by Osimhen and Lookman.
Nigeria’s impressive campaign in Morocco has also silenced early criticism, with the Super Eagles emerging as the most prolific attacking team at AFCON 2025.
While acknowledging Morocco’s home advantage, Lepasa questioned whether the Atlas Lions have been sufficiently tested so far, noting their heavy reliance on Brahim Díaz, who has scored five of their nine goals in the competition.
In contrast, Lepasa pointed to Nigeria’s balanced attacking threat as a key advantage, concluding that he does not see Morocco easily stopping the Super Eagles’ forward duo of Osimhen and Lookman.
