Wilfred Ndidi will miss Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco after the Super Eagles captain was suspended for accumulating two yellow cards during the knockout phase of the tournament.
The Besiktas midfielder picked up his first booking in Nigeria’s round-of-16 victory over Mozambique before being cautioned again in Saturday’s quarter-final win against Algeria, triggering an automatic one-match ban under AFCON regulations.
Ndidi’s second yellow card came in the 67th minute against Algeria for time-wasting, an incident that underlined the fine margins of tournament football.
Two minutes later he was forced off after suffering a hamstring problem following a challenge just outside the penalty area.
While the extent of the injury is yet to be clarified, it is his suspension that has definitively ruled him out of Wednesday’s showdown with the Atlas Lions.
His absence is a significant blow to Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the final.
Throughout the competition Ndidi has been the fulcrum of the Super Eagles midfield, anchoring the side with his ability to break up play, protect the defence and organise teammates in high-pressure moments.
As captain, he has also carried responsibility off the ball, marshalling a relatively youthful squad through difficult phases of matches.
The suspension leaves head coach Eric Chelle with a tactical dilemma at a crucial point in the tournament.
One option is Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, who has featured in a supporting role so far and offers similar defensive qualities.
Everton’s Frank Onyeka and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey were also walking a disciplinary tightrope heading into the quarter-final but avoided further cautions and remain available for selection.
Nigeria’s progress to the semi-finals has been built on resilience and control in midfield, making Ndidi’s enforced absence all the more painful.
His booking in the Algeria match, followed swiftly by his substitution, captured the frustration of a player who has been at the heart of his team’s campaign but now must watch from the stands.
The Super Eagles will face Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with a place in the final at stake.
The Atlas Lions, buoyed by home support, present one of the tournament’s sternest tests, and Nigeria will need to adapt quickly to cope without their midfield general.
Under AFCON disciplinary rules, all yellow cards are wiped after the semi-finals.
Should Nigeria overcome Morocco, Ndidi – along with any other players who have been walking the suspension line – would be eligible to return for the final.
For now, however, the focus will be on how Chelle reshapes his side in the absence of a player who has provided both balance and authority in the heart of midfield.
