AFCON 2025: CAF Sends Message to NFF, Confirms Suspended Super Eagles Stars for Morocco Clash
- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sent an official message to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
- CAF clarified the Super Eagles' suspension list ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco
- Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss out after picking up yellow cards against Mozambique and Algeria
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sent a message to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) about the Super Eagles' suspension list against Morocco.
Nigeria beat Algeria 2-0 to set up an AFCON semi-final clash against the host nation at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Source: Getty Images
The Atlas Lions reached the semi-final after beating five-time champions Cameroon, while Egypt and Senegal faced off in the other semi-final in Tangier on the same day.
CAF sends Super Eagles message to NFF
According to OwnGoal Nigeria, CAF has officially notified the NFF of the suspended Super Eagles players ahead of the AFCON 2025 semi-final.
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Captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss the match after picking up a yellow card against Algeria, having also picked up a booking in the Round of 16 win over Mozambique.
The skipper also picked up a knock in the match, but allayed fears from fans by saying that he would be ready for the final if Nigeria beats Morocco.
Eric Chelle speaks about Ndidi’s absence
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, during his pre-match conference ahead of the match against Morocco, admitted that Ndidi would be a big miss, but other players can deliver.
“Wilf brings so much to the team, not happy we won't have him, but there are many players that can deliver, and I am confident in them,” he said at the press conference.
Chelle is expected to go for a like-for-like replacement, with Club Brugge star Raphael Onyedika replacing Ndidi in midfield, while Victor Osimhen will likely captain the team.
Source: Getty Images
The last time the Galatasaray forward captained the side was during the 3-1 win over Uganda in the group stage.
Nigerians applauded his calm conduct, noting that responsibility makes him a better person.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is the other player whose status fans are uncertain about after picking up a booking against Algeria, his second of the tournament.
However, CAF clarified that the Chippa United goalkeeper is not suspended, as his previous yellow card from the win over Tunisia did not carry over.
According to the CAF rule for AFCON, cards received in the group stage do not carry over to the knockout stages, while bookings also reset after the quarter-final.
As a result, no Super Eagles star would be at risk of suspension for the final if Nigeria beats the host nation to reach their second consecutive final.
CAF appoints Ghanaian referee for Nigeria match
Legit.ng reported that CAF appointed Ghanaian Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea to officiate Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against Morocco.
The decision raised questions from Nigerians, particularly with South African official Abongile Tom assigned to video assistant referee duties.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
