Nigeria vs Morocco: Onyedika returns, Ndidi missing in Super Eagles' predicted XI against Atlas Lions

Host nation Morocco will lock horns with Nigeria in a mouthwatering 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The encounter is one of two heavyweight semi-finals and brings together a constellation of African football’s brightest stars. CAF Player of the Year winners Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Achraf Hakimi are all expected to feature.

Nigeria will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards. His absence is a major blow to the Super Eagles’ midfield, with Raphael Onyedika expected to step in after impressing earlier in the tournament.

There are also fitness concerns for Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Cyriel Dessers has withdrawn from the squad due to a thigh injury. Despite this, Nigeria can rely on the commanding presence of Calvin Bassey in defence and the creative spark of Alex Iwobi in midfield.

Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Osimhen

Nigeria emerged as one of the most compelling stories of AFCON 2025. Super Eagles have produced a flawless run under Malian head coach Eric Chelle.

The three-time African champions have won all five of their matches, playing vibrant attacking football. Their campaign began with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania before edging Tunisia 3-2 in a thriller.

A rotated side then defeated Uganda 3-1, followed by a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Mozambique in the round of 16.

Nigeria’s credentials were emphatically confirmed in the quarter-finals with a commanding 2-0 win over Algeria, one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Chelle’s side has scored 14 goals and conceded just four, with Osimhen and Lookman leading the line superbly. Support from Alex Iwobi and Akor Adams has ensured Nigeria’s attack remains varied and unpredictable.