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NEW
AFCON 2025
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Morocco's coach wants Nigeria to panic, but the Super Eagles aren't biting.
In the high-stakes theater of AFCON 2025, a single yellow card can feel like a national tragedy. When Wilfred Ndidi was booked in the 67th minute of the quarter-final win over Algeria, a collective groan echoed from Lagos to Abuja.
Nigeria’s midfield ‘General’ and leader, the man who anchors the midfield and even offered to pay teammates' bonuses out of his own pocket, was officially out of the semi-final.
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09:13 - 14.01.2026
AFCON 2025: Keeping Eric Chelle is now a National priority: Super Eagles have found 'The One'
Nigeria can't afford to lose this man no matter what happens against Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semifinal.
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10:00 - 01.01.2026
Frank Onyeka shuts down talk of rivalry with Onyedika for Super Eagles starting position
Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka has downplayed any talk of a rivalry with Raphael Onyedika for a starting position in the Nigerian national team.
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui didn't hide his relief. Speaking ahead of tonight’s clash in Rabat, the Atlas Lions' boss admitted: “Ndidi's absence will help us. He is a pillar of their balance.”
But while Regragui is celebrating, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is plotting. Here is why Morocco’s joy might be premature, and why Nigeria is built to survive and thrive without their captain.
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The Regragui Trap: ‘Ndidi’s absence helps us’
Regragui’s comments were part tactical observation and part psychological warfare. By highlighting Ndidi’s absence, he is signalling to his midfielders, led by Ismael Saibari and Neil El Aynaoui, that the no-fly zone in front of Nigeria’s defence has a gap.
Without Ndidi’s elite reading of the game and his ability to snuff out transitions, Morocco believes they can finally play through the middle. “They might change their plan, although I consider that unlikely,” Regragui teased, suggesting Nigeria might be forced into a defensive shell.
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Why the Super Eagles won’t miss a beat
Despite the General being sidelined, unfortunately, the Super Eagles camp remains eerily calm. There are three major reasons why the Ndidi-less Eagles are still the most dangerous team in Africa at the moment.
1. The Onyedika insurance policy
Nigeria isn't just a team; they are a machine with spare parts. Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge is the designated replacement.
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Unlike previous years where there was a massive drop-off behind the starters, Onyedika is in the form of his life and showed that in his only start at AFCON 2025 against Uganda.
He is younger, faster, and arguably more progressive on the ball than the current version of Ndidi. When he replaced an injured Ndidi late against Algeria, the team didn’t concede a single shot.
2. Alex Iwobi’s transformation
With Ndidi out, Alex Iwobi becomes the undisputed leader of the engine room. Iwobi is currently leading the tournament in line-breaking passes (46).
By having more mobile partners like Onyedika and Frank Onyeka alongside him, Iwobi may actually have more freedom to dictate the tempo and feed Nigeria’s "Big Three" of Osimhen, Lookman, and Adams.
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3. The attack as defence philosophy
Even Regragui admitted it: “When you have Osimhen, Lookman, and Iwobi... they are lethal.”
Nigeria’s best form of defence in this tournament has been their relentless attack. By keeping Morocco pinned back with a high press, Nigeria reduces the workload on their holding midfielder.
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So far against North Africa oppositions, Chelle has had Nigeria’s Eagles dominate on the ball. So, if you have the ball in their box, it doesn't matter who is standing in ours.
Tactical Shift: The Chelle surprise
Eric Chelle has also hinted at a tactical formation change for tonight as he looks to keep Nigeria’s dream of a fourth title alive.
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While the 4-3-1-2 diamond has been successful, rumours from the Rabat training ground suggest a switch to a 4-3-3 or even a 3-5-2 to provide extra cover for the full-backs against Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
"I'm disappointed for Wilfred," Chelle said, "but we are a group. There are very good players waiting for their chance."
Izuchukwu's Verdict
Walid Regragui might be happy that our 'General' is in the stands, but he should be wary of the Army still on the pitch.
Nigeria have proven they can overcome bonus rows, travel fatigue, and internal spats. A single suspension won't stop a team that is currently averaging nearly three goals a game.