Osimhen, Lookman, Super Eagles Stars Face AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Suspension Risk
- Four Super Eagles stars will miss AFCON 2025 Round of 16 if they pick up yellow cards against Uganda
- Nigeria will wrap up its Group C campaign against the Cranes, having already reached the next stage
- Eric Chelle is expected to rotate his squad to refresh his key players and guard against suspension risks
Four key Super Eagles stars face the risk of missing the AFCON 2025 round of 16 due to suspension if they receive yellow cards against the Cranes of Uganda.
Nigeria progressed to the knockout stages after two matches following their 3-2 win over Tunisia, and will secure top spot in Group C if they pick up at least a point against Uganda.
Source: Twitter
Eric Chelle, even though he remains tight-lipped over his squad selection, is expected to rotate his squad to protect his key players from injuries and suspension risks.
Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali and Frank Onyeka all had issues against Tunisia and could sit out against or start from the bench and enter if need be.
As noted by the London Evening Standard, beyond the injury risks, Chelle also needs to worry about the possible suspension of four players against Uganda.
Video of Super Eagles training before facing Uganda below.
Legit.ng looks at four Super Eagles stars who could miss the round of 16 due to suspension.
Super Eagles stars at risk of suspension
1. Victor Osimhen
No Nigerian wishes for Victor Osimhen to miss any important game due to injury or suspension, as it has been proven in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier that the team plays better with him on the pitch.
The Galatasaray forward picked up an unnecessary yellow card during his celebration after pointing towards Tunisia head coach Sami Trabelsi, who claimed Osimhen disrespected him.
2. Ademola Lookman
Lookman steps up on the biggest stage for Nigeria. The Atalanta forward was one of Nigeria's best players at AFCON 2023 in his debut campaign in the tournament and has picked up in the 2025 edition.
The 2024 African Footballer of the Year, who has four goal contributions already at this tournament, received a booking against Tunisia, four minutes after scoring the winner and must avoid another yellow card against Uganda.
3. Stanley Nwabali
The goalkeeper has come under criticism from Nigerians over his performances recently, which have directly cost the team goals against Tanzania and Tunisia.
Source: Twitter
As noted by NFF, he left his goal unguarded to clamour for an offside call for Tanzania’s goal and slipped for Tunisia’s first goal. However, he remains Nigeria's best hands and will miss the round of 16 if he receives a yellow card against Uganda after he was booked for time-wasting against Tunisia.
4. Semi Ajayi
Ajayi has stepped up in the absence of the injured Benjamin Fredrick and retired William Troost-Ekong. He scored Nigeria's first goal against Tanzania. He risks suspension if he picks up a yellow card against Uganda, having gotten one against the Carthage Eagles.
Chelle confirms injury doubts
Legit.ng reported that Eric Chelle confirmed three Super Eagles stars who are doubtful of facing the Cranes of Uganda on Tuesday due to injury.
The manager name-dropped Victor Osimhen, Frank Onyeka and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as the three players with issues, two of whom also face suspension risks.
Source: Legit.ng
