Blackburn star Ryan Alebiosu has boosted Nigeria’s injury outlook ahead of the AFCON 2025 semi-final, with Wilfred Ndidi also showing positive signs, Soccernet.ng reports.
Both players raised fitness worries in recent outings, but fresh developments suggest Nigeria’s medical team is cautiously optimistic as preparations continue for the showdown with hosts Morocco.
Alebiosu makes progress after knee injury scare
Alebiosu, who picked up a knock during his Super Eagles debut earlier in the tournament, continues to improve steadily on his path back to full fitness.
The London-born full-back suffered a deep cut to his knee, sparking concern after the match against Uganda.
Head coach Eric Chelle admitted his worries at the time but was pleased with the defender’s overall display.
“This is his first game in Africa, in AFCON and I’m happy with how he did,” Chelle said to reporters including Soccernet.ng after the match.
“I’m worried, because he has an injury. His leg is open (cut), but I’m happy with how he played today.”
Soccernet.ng later spotted Alebiosu walking comfortably on the grass during Nigeria’s first training session in Marrakech ahead of their clash with Algeria, confirming encouraging recovery signs.
The latest video shared by Super Eagles media officer, Promise Efoghe, suggests the former Crewe Alexandra defender is continuing to improve, taking part in light individual training that includes dribbling the ball and short exercises on the grass.
Watch Blackburn star Alebiosu train here:
Although very unlikely to feature for the Super Eagles ahead of their game against Morocco, it reinforces hopes that the knee injury sustained during Nigeria’s earlier clash against Uganda will not derail his tournament involvement.
Ndidi walks pain-free but set to miss Morocco clash
There was also positive news regarding Ndidi, who was substituted during Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over Algeria after appearing to struggle physically.
The Super Eagles captain is now walking pain-free, according to Promise Efoghe, which suggests that the hamstring strain he sustained may not be serious.
However, Ndidi will miss the semi-final against Morocco regardless, after accumulating two yellow cards at the knockout stage.
An evaluation of his condition is scheduled for tomorrow, which will determine whether a scan is required to fully assess the extent of the issue.
Boost for Super Eagles camp
With Nigeria eyeing a place in the AFCON final, the improving fitness of Alebiosu and the encouraging signs surrounding Ndidi’s recovery have lifted spirits within the Super Eagles camp.
While Ndidi’s suspension rules him out of the Morocco clash, the overall injury outlook is a reassurance for Nigeria as they push for their fourth continental title.