Super Eagles of Nigeria are slated to tackle the Atlas Lions of Morocco by 9:00 local time today at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat…
Super Eagles attacker Victor Osimhen is expected to wear the armband for Nigeria in tonight’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash against Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
This follows the absence of the team’s recognised captaincy option, Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended after picking up two yellow cards at the knockout stage.
The Super Eagles face the hosts at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat with a place in the final at stake.
Why Osimhen will likely captain Nigeria
Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi will miss the semi-final after picking up a second yellow card of the tournament in the quarter-final win over Algeria, which rules him out through suspension.
Vice-captain Simon Moses is also unlikely to start the game, having begun recent matches from the bench since the start of the tournament. That situation leaves Osimhen—another vice captain of the group—as the most senior and influential player expected to be in the starting XI.
As a result, the responsibility is set to fall on the former LOSC Lille striker, who has already led the team on the pitch earlier in the competition.
Osimhen’s captaincy record at AFCON 2025
Osimhen has captained the Super Eagles twice at AFCON 2025 — against Uganda in the group stage and Algeria in the quarter-finals. Nigeria won both matches, which reinforced confidence within the camp about his leadership role.
Aside from this, the striker has led from the front with relentless pressing and physical presence, which shapes Nigeria’s attacking threats.
Big stage, bigger responsibility for Osimhen
Morocco, unbeaten and backed by a passionate home crowd, and Nigeria will need leadership and more on the pitch. Osimhen’s energy and authority are expected to play a key role as the Super Eagles chase a ninth AFCON final and a fourth continental title.
Nigeria kicks off against Morocco at 8:00 pm GMT (9:00 pm local time), and the Galatasaray goal poacher is poised to lead the Super Eagles in one of the biggest matches of the tournament.