Nigeria XI vs Morocco: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for AFCON semi-final today

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Evening Standard

·14 January 2026

Nigeria XI vs Morocco: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for AFCON semi-final today

Big blow Super Eagles as Wilfred Ndidi sits out AFCON semi-final tie

Bright Osayi-Samuel has handed Nigeria a huge fitness boost ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco.

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Osayi-Samuel has been a near ever-present for Nigeria at this year’s AFCON, with the dead-rubber group stage win over Uganda being the only game he’s not featured in.

However, his participation for Wednesday’s last-four meeting was in doubt after limping off late on during the Super Eagles’ quarter-final win over Algeria at the weekend.

Clarifying his substitution, Osayi-Samuel has reassured supporters that he was suffering from cramp and will be available to keep his place at right-back.

"No, I had cramps,” he told reporters. “My toes were cold and I couldn’t move them, but I’ll be fine, absolutely fine.”

Boost: Bright Osayi-Samuel

AFP via Getty Images

Nigeria will certainly be without captain Wilfred Ndidi for the semi-final showdown. The midfielder is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the AFCON knockout phase in the win over Algeria.

Ndidi was booked for time-wasting prior to being substituted as he picked up a knock that would have placed his involvement against the host nation in doubt regardless.

Eric Chelle is expected to name Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as the replacement for Ndidi, while Victor Osimhen could be handed the captain’s armband as he leads the line with Akor Adams.

Predicted Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams

Injured: Dessers

Doubts: Alebiosu

Suspended: Ndidi

Time and date: 8pm GMT on Wednesday, January 14, 2026

How to watch: E4

Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium