Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen will lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles onto the pitch as captain when they face Morocco’s Atlas Lions in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The leadership change comes as regular captain Wilfred Ndidi has been ruled out of the crucial encounter due to suspension following an accumulation of yellow cards during the tournament.
Ndidi, who plays for Leicester City in the English Championship, picked up his first caution during Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against Mozambique’s Mambas. The midfielder was shown a second yellow card in the quarter-final match against Tunisia, triggering an automatic one-match ban under the competition’s disciplinary regulations.
The absence of Ndidi represents a significant blow to the Super Eagles’ midfield structure, as the experienced defensive midfielder has been instrumental in shielding Nigeria’s backline throughout the tournament. His suspension forces head coach Eric Chukwuma Segun into tactical adjustments ahead of what promises to be one of the most challenging matches of the competition.
Osimhen’s appointment as captain for the semi-final will not be his first time wearing the armband for the national team. The prolific forward previously led the Super Eagles during their final group-stage fixture against Uganda, demonstrating his readiness to shoulder leadership responsibilities when called upon.
The 26-year-old striker was officially named vice-captain of the national team on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a recognition of both his stature within Nigerian football and his growing maturity as a senior player. The decision to elevate Osimhen to the vice-captaincy reflected the technical crew’s confidence in his ability to provide leadership on and off the field.
The match against Morocco represents a significant test for the Super Eagles, who are seeking to reach their first AFCON final since their triumph in 2013. Morocco, the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists, have emerged as one of the strongest sides in African football in recent years and will pose a formidable challenge to Nigeria’s continental ambitions.
Osimhen’s leadership will be critical in galvanizing a Nigerian team that has shown resilience and character throughout the competition. His ability to inspire teammates, combined with his clinical finishing in front of goal, makes him a natural choice to deputize for the suspended Ndidi.
