Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Uganda in their final AFCON 2025 Group C match on Tuesday with more than just top spot at stake. A disciplinary cloud hangs over the team, threatening to dismantle its core for the knockout stages.
Star striker Victor Osimhen, winger Ademola Lookman, defender Semi Ajayi, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are all one yellow card away from suspension. According to the tournament regulations by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a player who accumulates two yellow cards across two different matches is automatically ruled out of the subsequent fixture.
This precarious situation stems directly from the team’s recent matches. In the opening 2-1 victory over Tanzania, Lookman received a caution. The tension escalated during the fiery 1-0 win against Tunisia on December 27th, where Osimhen, Ajayi, and Nwabali all had their names taken by the referee. Osimhen’s booking, following his goal celebration directed at the Tunisian bench, has particularly highlighted the fine line between passion and penalty.
The potential absence of any of these players, especially for a Round of 16 match, presents a significant tactical headache for coach Eric Chelle. Victor Osimhen is the team’s offensive spearhead, having scored the crucial winner against Tunisia. Ademola Lookman has been in scintillating form, finding the net in both group games. Their combined threat has been central to Nigeria’s campaign.
“Coach Eric Chelle now has a critical decision to make,” noted football analyst Tunde Odetola in a review for Complete Sports. “Does he field his strongest eleven to secure a statement victory against Uganda, or does he manage the risk by resting key players? Losing a player of Osimhen’s calibre for a knockout match could be a severe blow.”
The defensive and goalkeeping departments are also at risk. Semi Ajayi has been a mainstay in the backline, while Stanley Nwabali’s assured presence between the posts has bolstered the team’s confidence. Another yellow for Nwabali, who was booked for time-wasting against Tunisia, would see Francis Uzoho step in.
Historically, yellow card accumulations have disrupted Nigeria’s campaigns in major tournaments. The Super Eagles’ depth will be tested, with ready replacements like Paul Onuachu in attack and Zaidu Sanusi in defence waiting in the wings. However, the disruption to team chemistry and the loss of momentum for key players remain a genuine concern.
The Uganda match, therefore, transforms from a mere formality into a high-stakes balancing act. Nigeria has already secured qualification for the Round of 16, but the team must navigate this fixture with discipline to ensure its best assets are available for the more challenging battles ahead. The onus is not just on the coach’s selection but on the players themselves to temper their competitiveness with caution.
