Thursday, July 16, 2026

AFCON 2025 Semi-finals: Nigeria ready for Morocco clash, Chelle rues Ndidi’s absence

“Every game is the biggest for the team (Super Eagles) in the tournament. We are ready for all of the games in this tournament,” said Chelle.

• January 13, 2026
AFCON 2025
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has maintained that Nigeria is ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against host nation Morocco on Wednesday.

Chelle disclosed this during a pre-match press conference in Rabat on Tuesday, where he stressed that every game at the AFCON is the biggest test for his team.

“Every game is the biggest for the team (Super Eagles) in the tournament. We are ready for all of the games in this tournament. We like to play every game like it is the last,” the 48-year-old said.

The match between Nigeria and Morocco has been dubbed the ‘final before the final’ due to the quality of football the two teams have been playing in the tournament, leaving many to argue that only a slight difference will separate them on Wednesday.

Commenting on the difficulties in choosing his starting lineups, Chelle stated, “When you have African Player of Year winners in your squad, it is very easy.

“The coach has to make choices. I have to validate choices made, so when you have players who have won the African best, it is very easy. So, it’s left for each player to fit into the team.”

Speaking further on the suspension of captain Wilfred Ndidi from Wednesday’s game after picking up yellow cards in consecutive matches in the knockout phase, Chelle admitted that the midfielder’s absence is disappointing.

He, however, expressed confidence that other good players can step up to fill the role against Morocco.

“It is disappointing for me because he brings so much to the team,” stated Chelle. “But in our group, there are good players who can replace him. I am very confident about that. Everything will be good.” 

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