AFCON 2025: Osimhen to Captain Super Eagles Against Morocco in Semi-Final Clash

Victor Osimhen will lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles as captain when they face hosts Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday in Rabat.

The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for an 8 p.m. kickoff at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with both teams vying for a place in the final of the continental showpiece.

Osimhen steps into the captain’s role following the suspension of regular skipper Wilfred Ndidi, who is ruled out after accumulating two yellow cards during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique and the quarter-final win against Tunisia.

Nigeria’s vice-captain, Osimhen has prior leadership experience, having captained the Super Eagles in their final group-stage match against Uganda.

The Super Eagles booked their semi-final place with an emphatic 2–0 win over Algeria, a match in which Osimhen was instrumental, scoring one goal and providing an assist.

Nigeria’s growing confidence has drawn attention across the tournament, with South African forward Zakhele Lepasa tipping the Super Eagles as favourites to lift the trophy. Lepasa said the attacking duo of Osimhen and Ademola Lookman would be difficult for any defence left in the competition to contain.

He noted that Nigeria, under pressure after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are determined to reassert themselves as Africa’s dominant football force.

Lepasa described the Super Eagles as the strongest team at AFCON 2025, pointing to their 14 goals so far and their attacking depth led by Osimhen and Lookman.

Nigeria’s impressive campaign in Morocco has also helped silence earlier criticism, with the team emerging as the tournament’s most prolific attacking side.

While acknowledging Morocco’s home advantage, Lepasa questioned whether the hosts have faced a truly stern test, noting their heavy reliance on Brahim Díaz, who has scored five of their nine goals in the competition.

In contrast, he said Nigeria’s goals have come from multiple sources, giving the Super Eagles a tactical edge ahead of the semi-final showdown.

According to Lepasa, Nigeria’s attacking balance could prove decisive, adding that he does not see Morocco stopping Osimhen and Lookman easily.