AFCON 2025: Osimhen to captain Super Eagles against Morocco

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen will captain the Super Eagles against hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final on Wednesday, replacing suspended skipper Wilfred Ndidi.

Hosts Morocco take on Super Eagles at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday in one of the highly anticipated semi-finals of the AFCON.

Ndidi has been ruled out after accumulating two yellow cards, picked up in Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique and the quarter-final win against Tunisia.

Osimhen, Nigeria’s vice-captain, previously led the team in their final group match against Uganda and he is experienced in handling leadership responsibilities.

Nigeria reached the semi-final with confidence following a 2-0 victory over Algeria, a match in which Osimhen scored and provided an assist.

South Africa forward Zakhele Lepasa had tipped Nigeria as favourites, saying none of the remaining teams can contain Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Lepasa said Nigeria was under pressure after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and were eager to prove they remained Africa’s best.

He described Nigeria as the tournament’s strongest side, stating their fourteen goals and attacking depth led by Osimhen and Lookman.

Nigeria’s impressive run in Morocco had eased earlier criticism, with the Super Eagles emerging as the competition’s most prolific attacking team.

The Star