Victor Osimhen will captain Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco, stepping in for suspended skipper Wilfred Ndidi.
The highly anticipated match takes place on Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Ndidi will miss the game after receiving two yellow cards in Nigeria’s Round of 16 win over Mozambique and their quarter-final victory against Tunisia.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s vice-captain, previously led the team in their final group match against Uganda and brings experience in leadership roles. He played a key role in Nigeria’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria, scoring one goal and providing an assist, helping the team advance to the semi-finals with confidence.
South African forward Zakhele Lepasa has tipped Nigeria as favourites, praising the duo of Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Lepasa noted that Nigeria is eager to prove themselves after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling them Africa’s strongest team in the tournament so far. He highlighted Nigeria’s attacking depth and fourteen-goal tally as evidence of their potency.
While acknowledging Morocco’s home advantage, Lepasa questioned whether the hosts have been truly tested, noting their reliance on Brahim Díaz, who has scored five of Morocco’s nine goals. In contrast, Nigeria’s goal-scoring responsibilities are more evenly distributed.
Lepasa concluded that Nigeria’s attacking balance gives them the edge and expressed confidence that Morocco will struggle to contain Osimhen and Lookman.