Nigeria have received a major fitness boost ahead of their AFCON 2025 semi-final showdown against hosts Morocco, with Bright Osayi-Samuel confirming he is fit and available despite concerns following his substitution in the quarter-finals.

The Fenerbahçe defender has been almost ever-present for the Super Eagles at this year’s tournament, missing only the dead-rubber group-stage victory over Uganda. His early withdrawal had sparked fears of injury, but Osayi-Samuel quickly put those worries to rest.

“No, I had cramps,” he told reporters. “My toes were cold and I couldn’t move them, but I’ll be fine — absolutely fine.”
While Osayi-Samuel’s availability is a

welcome relief for head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria will be forced to cope without their captain Wilfred Ndidi. The Leicester City midfielder is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the knockout rounds during the 2–0 quarter-final win over Algeria.

Ndidi was booked for time-wasting shortly before being substituted due to a knock, which would likely have ruled him out against Morocco regardless.

Chelle is expected to turn to Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as Ndidi’s replacement, while Victor Osimhen is tipped to wear the captain’s armband as he spearheads the attack alongside Akor Adams.

Predicted Nigeria XI

Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams

Injured: Dessers

Doubts: Alebiosu

Suspended: Ndidi

Match Details:

Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Kick-off: 8:00pm GMT

Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

TV: E4

With a place in the AFCON final at stake, Nigeria will be hoping Osayi-Samuel’s fitness and Osimhen’s leadership can inspire another big performance against the host nation.