AFCON 2025: Osimhen to lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles against Morocco’s Atlas Lions
Victor Osimhen will captain Nigeria’s Super Eagles against hosts Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semi-final, stepping in for suspended skipper Wilfred Ndidi.
Hosts Morocco take on Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday from 8:00 p.m. in one of the highly anticipated semi-finals of the AFCON.
Ndidi has been ruled out after accumulating two yellow cards, picked up in Nigeria’s round of 16 victory over Mozambique and the quarter-final win against Tunisia.
Osimhen, Super Eagles’ deputy captain, previously led the team in their final group match against Uganda.
Nigeria reached the semi-final following a 2-0 victory over Algeria, a match in which Osimhen scored a goal and provided an assist.
South Africa forward Zakhele Lepasa had tipped Nigeria as favourites, saying none of the remaining teams can contain Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Lepasa said Nigeria was under pressure after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was eager to prove they remained Africa’s best.
He described Nigeria as the tournament’s strongest side, stating that their 14 goals and attacking depth, led by Osimhen and Lookman, make them the strongest.
Nigeria’s impressive run in Morocco had eased earlier criticism, with the Super Eagles emerging as the competition’s most prolific attacking team.
Lepasa acknowledged Morocco’s home advantage but questioned whether the hosts have been adequately tested in the tournament.
He said that Morocco’s reliance on Brahim Díaz, who has scored five of their nine goals, contrasts with Nigeria’s shared scoring threat.
According to Lepasa, Nigeria’s attacking balance gives the Super Eagles the edge, adding that he does not see Morocco stopping Osimhen and Lookman easily.
(NAN)
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